Edge dislocations occur in crystals when an extra half plane of atoms is present, causing a mismatch. There are two types: positive edge dislocations where the extra half plane is above the slip plane, and negative where it is below. The Burgers vector defines a dislocation by its magnitude and direction, representing the lattice distortion. It can be determined using a Burgers circuit around the dislocation line. Edge dislocations allow slip and ductility in metals, while also influencing their mechanical, electronic, and optical properties.