Garbage collection is a process used in computer programming to automatically manage memory. It helps to identify and reclaim memory that is no longer in use, preventing memory leaks and optimizing performance. This allows developers to focus on writing code without worrying about manually freeing up memory. The garbage collector works by periodically scanning the program's memory to find objects that are no longer referenced. Once identified, it frees up that memory for future use. This process is essential in languages like Java and C#, where memory management is handled automatically, improving efficiency and reducing errors.