Web services are a type of software system that allow different computer applications to communicate with each other over the Internet. They use standardized protocols and technologies to enable seamless integration and data exchange between various platforms and devices. Examples of web services include APIs (Application Programming Interfaces), which provide a way for developers to access specific functionalities or data from other software systems, and webhooks, which allow one application to automatically trigger events or actions in another application. Web services have become an essential component of many modern applications and are widely used across industries and domains.