Lattice gauge theory is a framework used in theoretical physics to study the behavior of fundamental forces, such as the strong force and electroweak force. It involves discretizing space-time into a grid or lattice, allowing physicists to perform calculations on a finite set of points. This approach helps in understanding complex interactions in particle physics, particularly in the context of quantum field theory. By using numerical simulations on this lattice, researchers can approximate the properties of particles and their interactions. This method has been particularly successful in studying quantum chromodynamics (QCD), which describes the behavior of quarks and gluons that make up protons and neutrons.