Operators are symbols or keywords used in programming and mathematics to perform specific actions on data. Common types of operators include arithmetic operators like + for addition and - for subtraction, as well as comparison operators like == for equality and > for greater than. They help manipulate values and variables to achieve desired outcomes in calculations or logical evaluations. In programming, operators can also be categorized into unary, binary, and ternary operators. Unary operators work with a single operand, binary operators require two, and ternary operators involve three operands. Understanding how to use these operators effectively is essential for writing efficient code and solving mathematical problems.