Spring Data is a part of the Spring Framework that simplifies data access in Java applications. It provides a consistent programming model for various data stores, including relational databases, NoSQL databases, and even cloud-based data services. By using Spring Data, developers can easily implement data access layers without writing extensive boilerplate code. One of the key features of Spring Data is its repository abstraction, which allows developers to define data access methods through interfaces. This approach promotes cleaner code and enhances productivity, as it automatically generates the necessary queries based on method names. Overall, Spring Data streamlines the process of working with data in Java applications.