How do hydraulic brakes work on a bike and what makes them different from other types of brakes?

Hydraulic brakes on a bike work by using fluid to transmit force from the brake lever to the brake caliper, which then squeezes the brake pads against the wheel rim or disc to slow down or stop the bike. This system provides more consistent and powerful braking compared to other types of brakes, such as mechanical brakes, because hydraulic brakes require less effort to apply and offer better modulation and control.