Vaping is the act of inhaling aerosol produced by heating a liquid within an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) or e-cigarette. As an academic concept and research field, it investigates the technology and design of these devices, the chemical composition and health effects of the aerosol on users and passive bystanders, the behavioral patterns of adoption and use, the associated social dynamics and community structures, and the public health, regulatory, and policy implications arising from its prevalence. Key characteristics include the device components (battery, heating element, liquid reservoir) and the generation of an inhalable aerosol containing various substances. Its significance lies in its role as a potential tobacco harm reduction strategy, a public health concern regarding risks and exposure, and a complex socio-technical phenomenon requiring interdisciplinary study.