Mako is a template library written in Python. Mako templates are used to generate text output, typically HTML, XML, or other markup languages, dynamically. The 'mako' file extension signifies a file containing a Mako template. These templates embed Python code directly within the text, allowing for dynamic content generation based on variables, loops, conditional statements, and other Python constructs. Mako templates are often used in web development frameworks like Pyramid and Pylons to separate presentation logic from application logic. They offer a flexible and powerful way to create dynamic web pages and other text-based outputs. The templates are processed by the Mako template engine, which interprets the Python code and generates the final output. Mako supports features like template inheritance, caching, and precompilation for improved performance. It is known for its speed and flexibility, making it a popular choice for generating dynamic content in Python applications. The syntax is designed to be relatively easy to learn for developers familiar with Python.