  The X-ray Telescope (XRT), on board the {\it Swift} satellite, provides:
automated source detection and position with few arcsecond accuracy within few
seconds from target acquisition; CCD spectroscopy and imaging capability
(0.2-10 keV), with the capability of detecting a milliCrab source in about 10
seconds; automatic adjusting of the CCD readout mode to optimize the science
return as the source fades. Swift main scientific goal is the study of
gamma-ray burst (GRBs). XRT can observe GRB afterglows over several orders of
magnitude in flux. The first results obtained during the first ten months of
operation confirm that XRT is fully compliant with the requirements and is
providing excellent results. In particular it is detecting a very steep decay
in the early X-ray light curve of many afterglows. Often there are also strong
flares superimposed to the X-ray light curve, probably related to the continued
internal engine activity. XRT is also localising for the first time the X-ray
counterparts to short bursts.
