DNA fingerprinting is a technique that analyzes variations in repetitive DNA sequences to generate unique individual profiles. It was invented in 1984 by Alec Jeffreys and involves extracting DNA from samples, cutting the DNA with restriction enzymes, separating fragments via gel electrophoresis, and comparing band patterns on autoradiographs. DNA fingerprinting can be used for forensic identification, paternity testing, and studying human lineages and inherited disorders.