Lua is a lightweight, high-level, multi-paradigm programming language designed primarily for embedded use in applications. Known for its speed, portability, and small footprint, Lua serves as a powerful scripting language that can be easily integrated into larger systems written in languages like C and C++. Its simple procedural syntax is built around a single, powerful data structure called a "table," which can be used to create arrays, dictionaries, and object-oriented constructs. Due to its ease of integration, Lua is widely used in game development (e.g., Roblox, World of Warcraft), web applications, and image processing software to allow for user-customizable extensions and configurations.