Chemical bonds are the forces that hold atoms together in molecules and compounds. They form when atoms share or transfer electrons, allowing them to achieve a more stable electron configuration. The main types of chemical bonds are covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, and ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another. These bonds are essential for the formation of various substances, influencing their properties and behaviors. For example, the strength of a bond affects the melting and boiling points of a compound. Understanding chemical bonds is crucial in fields like chemistry, biology, and materials science.