Triples are a type of data structure commonly used in computer science and information management. They consist of three components: a subject, a predicate, and an object. This format allows for the representation of relationships between different entities, making it easier to organize and retrieve information. In the context of Semantic Web and RDF (Resource Description Framework), triples are essential for linking data across different sources. Each triple expresses a statement, such as "Alice (subject) likes (predicate) apples (object)," enabling machines to understand and process information in a more meaningful way.