A single-core processor is a type of computer processor that has only one core, which is the part of the CPU that performs calculations and executes instructions. This means it can handle one task at a time, processing instructions sequentially. Single-core processors were common in early computers and are simpler in design compared to multi-core processors, which can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. While single-core processors are less powerful than their multi-core counterparts, they can still be effective for basic computing tasks such as web browsing and word processing. However, as software applications become more complex and demanding, the limitations of single-core processors become more apparent, leading to a shift towards multi-core designs in modern computing systems.