A hex editor is a specialized software tool that allows users to view and edit the raw binary data of files. It displays the data in a hexadecimal format, which represents the binary values in a more human-readable way. This is useful for programmers, data recovery specialists, and anyone needing to manipulate file contents directly. Hex editors can be used for various tasks, such as modifying executable files, analyzing file structures, or recovering lost data. They provide features like search functions, data comparison, and the ability to edit specific bytes, making them essential for tasks involving low-level data manipulation in computing.