What is the difference between "ser" and "estar"?

Both "ser" and "estar" mean "to be". However they both have different purposes in Spanish. "Ser" is the verb used to to denote a permanent state of being, whilst "estar" is used for more temporary states of being. To make this more clear, the verb "estar" can bee used when talking about continuous or changing processes, for example to say that 'The table is broken', 'La mesa está rota'. For example, "estar" can be used to describe health conditions, moods, the locations of places or people, and other continuous or changing states. "Ser" on the other hand is used to describe more permanent characteristics or generally accepted truths, such as 'the table is red', 'la mesa es roja'. For example "ser" can be used to describe physical characteristics, dates and times, personal characteristics, possession, and origin.