General topology is a branch of mathematics that studies the properties of space that are preserved under continuous transformations. It focuses on concepts such as open sets, closed sets, and topological spaces, which help define how points in a space relate to one another. This area of topology provides the foundational language and tools for more advanced topics in mathematics. One of the key ideas in general topology is the notion of continuity, which describes how functions behave between topological spaces. General topology also explores concepts like compactness and connectedness, which help classify spaces based on their structure and behavior. These concepts are essential for understanding more complex mathematical theories and applications.