A data structure is a way of organizing and storing data in a computer so that it can be accessed and modified efficiently. Examples of common data structures include arrays, linked lists, stacks, queues, trees, and graphs. Each data structure has its own set of characteristics and trade-offs, and the choice of which data structure to use for a given task will depend on the specific requirements of the problem. Data structure plays a vital role in computer science and software development, and they are used in many algorithms to solve computational problems.