What does an oscilloscope primarily measure?

An oscilloscope is primarily designed to measure and analyze voltage signals over time. It visually represents electrical signals as waveforms, allowing engineers and technicians to observe various characteristics of these signals, such as amplitude, frequency, rise time, and distortion. This capability is crucial for troubleshooting and designing electronic circuits, as it provides a real-time graphical display of how voltages change, which is integral to understanding the operation of circuits and systems. By capturing voltage signals, oscilloscopes can also help diagnose issues, ensuring that systems function correctly and efficiently.