A web framework is a software platform designed to help developers build and manage web applications more efficiently. It provides a structured way to create websites by offering pre-written code, libraries, and tools that simplify common tasks, such as handling user requests, managing databases, and ensuring security. Popular examples of web frameworks include Django, Ruby on Rails, and Flask. These frameworks allow developers to focus on the unique features of their applications rather than reinventing the wheel for standard functionalities. By using a web framework, developers can save time, reduce errors, and create more maintainable code, ultimately leading to faster development cycles and improved user experiences.