Copying, or replication, is the process of creating an identical copy of a piece of information or material. This can occur in various contexts, such as in biology, where cells replicate their DNA before division, ensuring that each new cell has the same genetic information. In technology, copying can refer to duplicating files or data from one location to another, maintaining the original content's integrity. In the context of computing, replication is often used to enhance data availability and reliability. For example, databases may replicate their data across multiple servers, so if one server fails, the information remains accessible from another. This process is crucial for maintaining consistent and secure data management.