A context-free language (CFL) is a type of formal language that can be generated by a context-free grammar (CFG). In a CFL, the rules for forming strings do not depend on the context of the symbols. This means that each production rule can be applied regardless of the surrounding symbols, allowing for a simpler structure in language processing. CFLs are important in computer science, particularly in the fields of compilers and programming languages. They can describe various programming constructs and are used in parsing algorithms, which help in understanding and translating code. Examples of context-free languages include balanced parentheses and arithmetic expressions.