E-commerce, short for electronic commerce, refers to the buying and selling of goods or services over the internet. It encompasses a wide range of online business activities, including retail shopping, online auctions, payment gateways, and digital marketplaces. E-commerce platforms enable businesses and consumers to conduct transactions without the need for physical interaction, offering convenience, broader reach, and often lower operational costs. This digital approach to commerce has transformed traditional retail, making it possible for companies of all sizes to access global markets and for customers to shop anytime, anywhere.