A microcontroller is a computer that is integrated into a single chip and designed to control a specific system or device. It contains a processor, memory, and input/output peripherals.

Microcontrollers are commonly used in embedded systems such as appliances, automobiles, medical devices, and industrial control systems, where they provide the intelligence to control the functions of the device. They are programmed using a variety of programming languages, including assembly language and high-level languages such as C and C++.