Move semantics is a programming concept primarily used in languages like C++ to optimize resource management. It allows the transfer of ownership of resources, such as memory or file handles, from one object to another without the overhead of copying. This is particularly useful for improving performance in scenarios involving temporary objects. When an object is moved, its resources are "moved" rather than duplicated, which can significantly reduce the time and memory required for operations. This is achieved through special functions called move constructors and move assignment operators, which enable efficient resource handling while maintaining the integrity of the original object.