A data class is a Kotlin class meant to hold data. The compiler generates equals/hashCode, toString, copy() and componentN functions automatically, making it ideal for DTOs and value objects.
Advanced answer
Deep dive
Expanding on the short answer — what usually matters in practice:
Explain the "why", not just the "what" (intuition + consequences).
Trade-offs: what you gain/lose (time, memory, complexity, risk).
Edge cases: empty inputs, large inputs, invalid inputs, concurrency.
Examples
A tiny example (an explanation template):
// Example: discuss trade-offs for "what-is-a-data-class-in-kotlin-and-why-use-it?"
function explain() {
// Start from the core idea:
// A data class is meant to hold immutable data. Kotlin automatically generates equals/hashCo
}
Common pitfalls
Too generic: no concrete trade-offs or examples.
Mixing average-case and worst-case (e.g., complexity).