  This paper presents an overview of SPIRou, the new-generation near-infrared
spectropolarimeter / precision velocimeter recently installed on the 3.6-m
Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Starting from the two main science
goals, namely the quest for planetary systems around nearby M dwarfs and the
study of magnetized star / planet formation, we outline the instrument concept
that was designed to efficiently address these forefront topics, and detail the
in-lab and on-sky instrument performances measured throughout the intensive
testing phase that SPIRou was submitted to before passing the final acceptance
review in early 2019 and initiating science observations. With a central
position among the newly started programmes, the SPIRou Legacy Survey (SLS)
Large Programme was allocated 300 CFHT nights until at least mid 2022. We also
briefly describe a few of the first results obtained in the various science
topics that SPIRou started investigating, focusing in particular on planetary
systems of nearby M dwarfs, transiting exoplanets and their atmospheres,
magnetic fields of young stars, but also on alternate science goals like the
atmospheres of M dwarfs and the Earth's atmosphere. We finally conclude on the
essential role that SPIRou and the CFHT can play in coordination with
forthcoming major facilities like the JWST, the ELTs, PLATO and ARIEL over the
decade.
