Footings are structural members that transmit loads from columns and walls to the soil. The main types are isolated, combined, cantilever, continuous, raft, and pile cap footings. Footings must be designed to safely carry and distribute loads to the soil based on soil bearing capacity and prevent excessive settlement. This includes determining the footing size, reinforcement for flexure, shear capacity, and development length. Factors like dowel bars, differential settlement, and column bearing capacity must also be considered in footing design.