What is meant by burning in the context of CD technology?

In the context of CD technology, "burning" refers specifically to the process of copying information onto a compact disc. This involves using a laser to form pits in the dye layer of a writable CD, which correspond to the data being written. This method allows for the creation of a permanent record of data on the disc, making it accessible for future retrieval.

The terminology originates from the physical alteration of the disc's surface, which is reminiscent of burning because of the laser's action. Hence, when someone says they are "burning a CD," they are engaging in the action of transferring files, music, videos, or other types of data onto the compact disc for storage or playback. This foundational concept is essential for understanding how data storage media operates, particularly with optical discs like CDs.