Lighting serves a wide range of functions and has been in human use for centuries. It can be used to protect people and property, provide visibility, set a mood, and help improve safety and security. Lighting can also be used for decoration and gives a space an inviting warmth. Throughout history, different types of lighting have been used, from the flame or candle, to the gas lamp and more recently, the electric light of the incandescent bulb and later fluorescent or LED lighting. Each type of lighting has its own benefits, uses, and advantages. The incandescent bulb is the most common type of lighting. Incandescent bulbs feature a filament made from tungsten, and provides a warm, soft light that is often used in households and for general lighting. Incandescent bulbs are also relatively inexpensive and easy to install, but they are not very energy efficient. Fluorescent lighting is becoming increasingly popular. It is a type of gas-discharge lamp that produces light by passing an electric current through a gas-filled tube. It is much more energy efficient than incandescent lighting, but it takes time to warm up, and can sometimes flicker. LED lighting is an increasingly popular alternative to other types of lighting. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode and is a type of semiconductor that converts electrical energy into visible light. LED lighting is much more energy efficient than other types of lighting, and the bulbs can last much longer. Lighting is an integral part of any space and can be used to create a mood or improve safety, visibility, and security. Incandescent, fluorescent, and LED lighting all have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it is important to research and consider which type of lighting is most suitable for your needs.