A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that allows current to pass in only one direction. It has low resistance to current in the forward direction and high resistance in the reverse direction. The most common use of diodes is for rectification, converting alternating current to direct current. When selecting a diode, its current handling capability, maximum reverse voltage, and forward voltage drop must be considered. Common types of diodes include silicon junction diodes, which have a p-n junction structure and exhibit asymmetric conduction. Diodes have applications in radio demodulation, power conversion, overvoltage protection, logic gates, and temperature measurement.