Near-field hydrodynamics is a specialized area within fluid mechanics that examines the behavior of fluid flow in the immediate vicinity of solid boundaries, interfaces, or moving objects. This domain is characterised by the dominant influence of viscous forces, pronounced velocity gradients, and significant localized pressure variations, where simplifications applicable to the far field (e.g., potential flow) are invalid. The field investigates phenomena such as boundary layer development, flow separation, viscous dissipation, and localized fluid-structure interaction. Its significance stems from its critical importance for accurately predicting forces (like drag and lift), heat and mass transfer rates, and dynamic responses in systems where the precise fluid-boundary interaction dictates overall performance, spanning applications from aerodynamics and marine engineering to microfluidics and biological locomotion.