Embedded systems are specialized computing systems designed to perform dedicated functions or tasks within a larger system. Unlike general-purpose computers that can run a wide variety of applications, embedded systems are optimized to execute specific applications or functions. These systems are integral parts of devices we use every day, from smartphones and washing machines to cars and medical instruments. They often operate in real-time constraints and are resource-constrained, which means they have limited computational power, memory, and storage. Because they are optimized for specific tasks, they can be highly efficient, requiring less power and resources than a general-purpose computer. The software for embedded systems, known as firmware, is typically written in languages like C or C++, and once it is developed, it rarely, if ever, needs updates. Embedded systems are critical to the growing field of the Internet of Things (IoT), where they provide the intelligence for the "things" that are interconnected and communicating.