Optical disks are a type of storage device used for storing data digitally, which uses a laser to both read and write information. There are various types of optical disks available, including CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray disks. These disks have a range of synonyms, including optical media, laser discs, optical storage devices, digital optical disks, and digital media disks. These synonyms differentiate between the various types of optical disks and highlight their functions. While optical disks have become less commonly used with the rise of cloud storage and solid-state drives, they remain a valuable means of long-term data storage and are still used in a range of industries, from music production to archival documentation.