Smart contracts are small pieces of code that run automatically on the blockchain when certain conditions are met, making transactions immutable, transparent, and decentralized.
Solidity is a special language used to write smart contracts for Ethereum-based networks, unlike traditional programs that cannot be coded in languages like Python.
The basic 'Hello World' program in Solidity consists of a contract named HelloWorld with a message that initializes to 'Hello, World!' and can be updated through a public function.
By deploying and running the given code in Remix IDE, individuals can create and interact with their first smart contract on a network, showcasing the power and simplicity of Solidity development.