Garbage collection in Java is an automated memory management process that removes unused objects from the heap, freeing up memory. It ensures efficient resource utilization and helps prevent memory leaks, eliminating the need for manual memory deallocation. Java employs algorithms like Mark-and-Sweep and Generational Garbage Collection to identify and clean up unreferenced objects. This process improves program performance and simplifies development. Developers can also fine-tune garbage collection settings based on application needs. For a detailed explanation and optimization tips, explore this guide: What is Java Garbage Collection?. Understanding this process is essential for building efficient Java applications.