English has one "to be." Spanish has two, and picking the wrong one changes the meaning. The whole choice comes down to one question: is it what something is, or how it is right now?
Ser names what something fundamentally is. Estar describes the state it happens to be in. Same subject, two verbs, two meanings.
Two mnemonics cover almost every case. If the sentence fits the left list, reach for ser. If it fits the right, reach for estar.
The same adjective can flip: es aburrido means he is boring (a trait, ser), but está aburrido means he is bored (a state, estar).
The form of ser or estar is highlighted. Ask yourself: essence or state? Then reveal the reason.
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Ser is for permanent identity and defining traits (who or what something is). Estar is for changeable states, conditions, and location (how or where something is right now).
Some adjectives describe a permanent trait with ser but a temporary state with estar. For example, "es listo" means he is clever, while "esta listo" means he is ready.
For the location of people and things, yes: "El libro esta en la mesa." One classic exception is events, which use ser: "La fiesta es en mi casa" (the party takes place at my house).
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