A multi-core processor is a single computing component that contains two or more independent processing units, known as cores. Each core can execute its own tasks simultaneously, allowing for better performance and efficiency compared to single-core processors. This design helps computers run multiple applications at once without slowing down. Multi-core processors are commonly found in devices like laptops, desktops, and smartphones. They improve the speed of tasks such as gaming, video editing, and web browsing by distributing workloads across the cores. As software becomes more advanced, multi-core processors are increasingly essential for optimal performance.