Genetic Programming (GP) is a type of evolutionary optimization where programs themselves evolve to solve problems. Imagine a computer automatically writing and modifying its own code to get better at a task. In GP, each 'individual' is a computer program. These programs are tested for their ability to solve a problem, and the best ones are modified (mutated) or combined (crossed over) to create new programs. Over generations, this process evolves programs that become increasingly effective at the task.