An oscilloscope is an electronic instrument used to visualize and analyze the waveform of electrical signals. It displays voltage changes over time on a screen, allowing users to see the shape, frequency, and amplitude of the signal. This makes it a valuable tool for engineers and technicians in various fields, including electronics, telecommunications, and automotive diagnostics. Oscilloscopes can capture both analog and digital signals, providing real-time data that helps in troubleshooting and designing circuits. They often come with features like triggering, which stabilizes the waveform display, and measurement tools that allow users to quantify aspects of the signal, such as peak voltage and time intervals.