IA-32 is a 32-bit instruction set architecture developed by Intel for its x86 family of microprocessors. It allows computers to process data in 32-bit chunks, enabling more efficient handling of memory and operations compared to older 16-bit architectures. Introduced in the late 1980s, IA-32 supports a wide range of operating systems and applications, making it a popular choice for personal computers. It has been foundational in the evolution of computing, influencing later architectures like x86-64, which extends its capabilities to 64 bits.