Finite difference is a numerical method for estimating derivatives by using discrete data points. It is widely used in solving differential equations and approximating solutions to complex mathematical problems where analytic solutions are difficult or impossible to obtain.
Discretization is the process of transforming continuous data or functions into discrete counterparts, which is essential for numerical analysis and computational simulations. It enables the application of algorithms that operate on discrete data, facilitating the analysis and modeling of complex systems in fields such as engineering, computer science, and statistics.