Type coercion is a feature in programming languages where the system automatically converts one data type into another to perform operations. For example, if you add a number and a string together, the language may convert the number into a string so that both can be combined. This process helps simplify coding but can lead to unexpected results if not understood properly. Different programming languages handle type coercion in various ways. In languages like JavaScript, type coercion is often implicit, meaning it happens automatically without the programmer's intervention. In contrast, languages like Java require explicit conversion, where the programmer must specify how to change one type to another. Understanding these differences is crucial for effective coding.