VxWorks is a real-time operating system (RTOS) developed by Wind River Systems. It is designed for embedded systems, providing a reliable platform for applications that require precise timing and high availability, such as in aerospace, automotive, and industrial automation. VxWorks supports various hardware architectures and offers features like multitasking, inter-process communication, and device drivers. Its modular design allows developers to customize the system for specific needs, making it a popular choice for mission-critical applications where performance and stability are essential.