E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods and services over the internet. It has become a major part of the global economy and has transformed the way businesses operate and consumers shop. E-commerce encompasses a wide range of online transactions, from retail websites to online marketplaces, mobile apps, and business-to-business (B2B) platforms.

Ensuring the security of customer data and online transactions is crucial. SSL encryption, secure payment gateways, and trust-building measures like customer reviews and trust badges are common in e-commerce.

E-commerce isn't limited to physical goods. It also includes the sale of digital products like software, e-books, music, and online courses, as well as digital services like web hosting and digital marketing services.