What does "staccato" indicate in musical performance?

Staccato indicates that notes should be played detached and separated from one another. This articulation results in a distinct crispness to the music, where each note is cut short, allowing for a space or pause between them. This technique contrasts with legato, where notes are played smoothly and connected. When musicians see the staccato markings in the sheet music, they understand that they need to articulate each note clearly and briefly, creating a lively and punctuated effect in the performance. This is an essential concept in music that helps convey different emotions and styles based on how the notes are played.