  MICADO will enable the ELT to perform diffraction limited near-infrared
observations at first light. The instrument's capabilities focus on imaging
(including astrometric and high contrast) as well as single object
spectroscopy. This contribution looks at how requirements from the observing
modes have driven the instrument design and functionality. Using examples from
specific science cases, and making use of the data simulation tool, an outline
is presented of what we can expect the instrument to achieve.
