Collision detection is a technique used in computer graphics and gaming to determine when two or more objects intersect or come into contact. This process is essential for creating realistic interactions, such as when a character bumps into a wall or when two vehicles collide. By using mathematical algorithms, developers can efficiently check for overlaps between shapes, ensuring that objects behave as expected in a virtual environment. There are various methods for collision detection, including bounding box checks and pixel-perfect detection. Bounding boxes are simple geometric shapes that enclose objects, making it easier to perform quick checks. More complex methods, like pixel-perfect detection, analyze the actual pixels of objects for precise interactions, which is crucial in scenarios like 2D platformers or 3D simulations.