In C programming, header files are files with a .h extension that contain declarations and macros to be shared between multiple source files. They often include function prototypes, constant definitions, and data type declarations. By including header files using the #include directive, programmers can avoid duplicating code and ensure consistency across a program.
Standard C header files like <stdio.h>, <stdlib.h>, and <string.h> provide access to commonly used functions. Custom header files can also be created to organize code for larger projects. Using header files effectively promotes modular programming, making code easier to read, maintain, and debug.