What are the different wing configurations and their advantages?

Wing configurations include: High wing - Cargo loading ease, ground clearance, inherent lateral stability (C-130, Cessna 172); Low wing - Lighter structure (shorter landing gear), better pilot visibility upward, easier retractable gear (commercial jets, fighters); Mid wing - Minimum interference drag, good for aerobatics and military (F-16); Cantilever - No external bracing, cleaner aerodynamics, standard for modern aircraft; Braced - Lighter wing structure but higher drag (some GA aircraft); Swept - Delays compressibility effects for high-speed flight; Unswept/Straight - Simple, good low-speed performance. Selection depends on mission requirements: cargo aircraft favor high wing, commercial transports use low wing, and fighters often use delta or swept configurations.