Aspect-oriented programming (AOP) is a programming paradigm that aims to increase modularity by allowing the separation of cross-cutting concerns. These concerns, such as logging, security, and error handling, often affect multiple parts of a program. AOP enables developers to define these concerns as separate modules, called aspects, which can be applied across various components without modifying their core logic. In AOP, aspects are woven into the main codebase at specified points, known as join points. This process is often handled by a tool called an aspect weaver. By using AOP, developers can enhance code maintainability and readability, making it easier to manage complex applications while reducing redundancy.