Separation of concerns is a design principle that promotes dividing a system into distinct sections, each addressing a specific concern or functionality. This approach helps to manage complexity, making it easier to develop, maintain, and understand the system. For example, in software development, separating the user interface from the business logic allows developers to work on each part independently. By isolating different concerns, changes in one area do not significantly impact others, reducing the risk of errors. This principle is widely applied in various fields, including software engineering, web development, and system architecture, enhancing overall efficiency and clarity.