balenaEtcher is a free, open-source application designed to flash OS images to SD cards and USB drives safely and easily. Developed by balena, it provides a reliable, cross-platform solution to ensure that users can prepare bootable media without the complexity of command-line tools.

The main features of this tool include:

• Validated Flashing: Unlike many other tools, Etcher confirms that the flash has completed successfully, providing peace of mind that the card will boot and is not corrupted.

• Hard Drive Friendly: To prevent catastrophic data loss, it automatically hides system drives and warns users if they are about to accidentally wipe their computer’s internal hard drive.

• Intuitive 3-Step Interface: The software features a beautiful and simple interface that guides users through selecting an image, choosing a drive, and flashing in just three steps.

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: It works seamlessly for everyone, regardless of whether they are using Windows, macOS, or Linux.

• Open-Source Foundation: Built using JS, HTML, node.js, and Electron, Etcher is and always will be free and open for community contributions.

• "Flash with Etcher" for Developers: OS developers can add a specialized button to their websites, allowing their users to install an operating system directly from a web browser.

• IoT Fleet Integration: While it works for general OS installation, it is part of a larger ecosystem for deploying and managing IoT fleets, making it a primary tool for those working with Raspberry Pi and other small devices.