A canonical tag is a piece of code that tells search engines which version of a page is the original version to be indexed. It solves duplicate content: if there are multiple URLs with the same or very similar content, the canonical points to the preferred version so that the value converges there.
Without canonical, multiple URLs with the same content can compete with each other and the value becomes fragmented. The canonical bundles those signals on one page. It is a core tool within your technical SEO, often in combination with good sitemaps.
Identical or very similar content on multiple URLs. A canonical tag solves this by pointing to the preferred version.
No. A redirect sends everyone to a different URL; a canonical leaves both URLs existing but indicates which is the major version.
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