Quantum chromodynamics is the quantum field theory that describes the strong interaction, one of the fundamental forces of nature. It investigates the dynamics of quarks and gluons, the elementary particles that carry 'color charge', governing their interactions and the formation of composite particles such as protons and neutrons. Characterized by properties like asymptotic freedom at high energies and color confinement at low energies, QCD is a cornerstone of the Standard Model of particle physics, providing the theoretical basis for understanding the structure of hadrons and the residual strong force responsible for binding atomic nuclei.