In computer science, "child nodes" refer to the nodes that are directly connected to a parent node in a tree data structure. Each parent node can have multiple child nodes, which helps organize data hierarchically. This structure is commonly used in various applications, such as file systems and databases, to represent relationships between different elements. Child nodes can also have their own child nodes, creating a branching effect. This allows for a clear representation of complex data relationships. For example, in a family tree, a parent would be connected to its children, who may also have their own children, illustrating generational connections.