Interrupt handling in embedded systems refers to the mechanism where the processor temporarily halts the execution of the main program to address a higher-priority event, such as a sensor reading or communication signal. When an interrupt occurs, the processor saves its current state, executes a specific function known as an Interrupt Service Routine (ISR), and then resumes the main program. This allows embedded systems to respond quickly to real-time events without continuously polling for changes.

Interrupts can be hardware-based (triggered by peripherals) or software-based (triggered by program conditions). Proper handling includes configuring interrupt priorities, avoiding long ISRs, and ensuring thread safety in cases of shared resources. If ISRs take too long or occur too frequently, they can cause performance bottlenecks or missed events.

For effective interrupt handling, developers must design the system to manage various interrupt levels and consider possible race conditions. In modern embedded systems, interrupt controllers and advanced microcontrollers offer flexibility to handle complex tasks efficiently.

Mastering these concepts is crucial for optimizing real-time performance in embedded systems. Pursuing an embedded programming certification can help deepen your knowledge of such key topics and enhance your career opportunities in this field.