Covalent bonds are a type of chemical bond where two atoms share electrons. This sharing allows each atom to achieve a more stable electron configuration, similar to that of noble gases. For example, in a water molecule, each hydrogen atom shares an electron with the oxygen atom, creating a strong bond that holds the molecule together. These bonds can form between nonmetals, such as carbon and oxygen, and can vary in strength. Some covalent bonds share one pair of electrons, while others may share two or even three pairs, leading to single, double, or triple bonds. This sharing is essential for the formation of many important compounds in chemistry.