`java.time.LocalDate` is a class in the Java programming language that represents a date without a time zone. It is part of the Java Date and Time API, introduced in Java 8, which aims to provide a more comprehensive and user-friendly way to handle dates and times. `LocalDate` stores the year, month, and day, making it useful for applications that require date manipulation without the complexities of time zones. You can create a `LocalDate` instance using various methods, such as `now()` for the current date or `of(year, month, day)` for a specific date. This class also offers methods for date calculations, like adding or subtracting days, months, or years, and checking for leap years, making it a versatile tool for date management in Java applications.