Covalent bonding is a type of chemical bond where two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This sharing allows each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. Covalent bonds typically form between nonmetal atoms, such as in molecules like water (H₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). In a covalent bond, the shared electrons are attracted to the nuclei of both atoms, which helps hold them together. The strength of a covalent bond can vary, with single, double, and triple bonds representing one, two, or three pairs of shared electrons, respectively.