Gates are basic logic elements that perform operations on electrical signals. Common gates include NOT, AND, OR, NAND, NOR, and XOR gates. Gates can be combined into circuits to perform more complex logic functions. The behavior of gates and circuits can be described using Boolean expressions, logic diagrams, and truth tables. Common gates include the NOT gate, which inverts its input; the AND gate, which outputs 1 only if all inputs are 1; and the OR gate, which outputs 0 only if all inputs are 0. The NAND and NOR gates are considered "universal gates" as they can be used to implement any Boolean function.