U-Boot is a popular open-source bootloader used primarily for embedded systems. It allows developers to load and run operating systems on various hardware platforms, including ARM, PowerPC, and x86. U-Boot provides a flexible environment for initializing hardware and managing the boot process. One of its key features is the ability to support multiple file systems, enabling users to load images from different storage devices. U-Boot also includes a command-line interface for configuration and debugging, making it a valuable tool for developers working on custom firmware and operating systems in embedded applications.