Big data formats refer to the various ways in which large datasets are structured and stored for efficient processing and analysis. As traditional formats like CSV and JSON often fall short in terms of query speed and storage efficiency, newer formats such as Parquet and Avro have emerged to address these challenges. These formats not only optimize data storage but also enhance interoperability and support complex data structures. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different big data formats is crucial for data scientists and engineers, as it directly impacts the performance and scalability of big data projects.