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 rule can be applied regardless of the surrounding symbols, allowing for a simpler structure. CFLs are commonly used in programming languages and compilers. One of the key features of context-free languages is that they can be recognized by pushdown automata, which are computational models that use a stack to keep track of information. Examples of context-free languages include balanced parentheses and simple arithmetic expressions, making them essential in computer science and linguistics.