Description: OutputFormat in Hadoop is a fundamental abstraction that defines how data output is written in a MapReduce job. This interface allows developers to specify the format in which the results generated by the mapping and reducing process will be stored. Choosing the right OutputFormat is crucial as it affects the efficiency of storage and the ease of access to processed data. There are several types of OutputFormats in Hadoop, such as TextOutputFormat, which writes output in text format, and SequenceFileOutputFormat, which stores data in an optimized binary format. Additionally, developers can create their own OutputFormat implementations to meet specific needs, providing great flexibility. In summary, OutputFormat is essential for managing data output in Hadoop, allowing users to customize and optimize the storage of their processing results.