Tcpdump is a powerful command-line packet analyzer used to capture and display network traffic. It allows users to monitor the data packets flowing through a network interface, making it a valuable tool for network troubleshooting and analysis. By filtering the captured data, users can focus on specific protocols, IP addresses, or ports, helping them identify issues or understand network behavior. This tool is widely used by network administrators and security professionals to diagnose problems, analyze performance, and detect unauthorized access. Tcpdump operates on various operating systems, including Linux, Unix, and Windows, making it versatile for different environments.