A trackpad, also known as a touchpad, is a flat, touch-sensitive surface used to control the cursor on a computer screen. It allows users to navigate by moving their fingers across the surface, making it a popular alternative to a mouse. Trackpads are commonly found on laptops and some keyboards, providing a compact way to interact with devices. Most trackpads support multi-touch gestures, enabling users to perform various actions like scrolling, zooming, and switching applications with simple finger movements. They are designed to enhance user experience by offering a smooth and intuitive way to control digital interfaces without needing additional hardware like a mouse.