Soft computing is an approach to computing that aims to model human-like decision making. It deals with imprecise or uncertain data using techniques like fuzzy logic, neural networks, and genetic algorithms. The goal is to develop systems that are tolerant of imprecision, uncertainty, and approximation to achieve practical and low-cost solutions to real-world problems. Soft computing was initiated in 1981 and includes fields like fuzzy logic, neural networks, and evolutionary computation. It provides approximate solutions using techniques like neural network reasoning, genetic programming, and functional approximation.