Have you ever heard the term “embedded software”? What comes to your mind when you hear it? In fact, embedded software has been around for over 50 years, but became popular and more affordable only a few years ago. So far, we have an array of devices that deal with embedded systems and developed specifically for cases where reliability and safety are of utmost importance. Moreover, they surround us everywhere and are considered to be an integral part of the development of IoT devices. Nevertheless, the process of building embedded systems has its own complexities. Let’s take a deeper look at this concept and analyse what embedded systems are, where they are used, and analyse the process of building such systems.
Embedded Software: Definition
Let’s begin with the basics and provide a definition. It’s a system, which is built into absolutely any device rather than a conventional computer. In other words, it’s the brain of a certain device without which it can’t operate. Let’s look at the examples for you to make sure you understand everything right:
- A traditional calculator – the easiest example of embedded software;
- TV remote control;
- Digital camera;
- Software for connected vehicles.
- Built-in parking software;
- Internal systems for smart cameras.
What Are the Most Common Features of Embedded Software?
Let’s review the fundamental features of these systems:
- Embedded software performs its functions quickly and easily, more often with a predetermined time frame;
- They are developed to do simple and repeated functions on single-purpose devices.
- These systems are based on micro controllers and microprocessors;
- Usually work with limited memory;
- Embedded systems can work either with or without operating systems. Very often they use real-time operating systems.
- May come with a screen, keyboard, user interface, or without them.
What Programming Tools Are Needed to Build Embedded Software
In fact, building embedded systems is quite challenging and not all programmers have enough skills to tackle that challenge. If you are going to invest in building embedded systems, you have to entrust this task to experts in this field and this is where you simply can’t do without the services of sirinsoftware.com – a reputable software development company with an impeccable reputation in the IT sector. Their experts have enough experience and know for sure what software tools have to be used to tackle this or that challenge. To achieve the best possible result, embedded engineers use various programs. Here’s a list of the most widely used tools:
- A compiler – a must-have solution that can transform a high-level code into a low-level machine.
- A debugger – a superb tool that can help get rid of bugs.
- An editor – a powerful option to write a code in C, C+.
- An assembler – used only when the code is written in assembly language and performs the same task as a compiler.
- An emulator. The main goal of this option is to check the work of a program in a simulated environment. This allows programmers to improve the user experience.
- A linker – a powerful tool, used to combine code pieces together.
So far, embedded systems are an integral part of modern life. And there’s no need to look far to find real-life use cases of these systems. For example, modern houses are overloaded with electronic devices such as digital cameras, TV systems, smartphones, air conditioners, coffee machines, etc. The medical sphere also can’t do without embedded systems. Today, the market is overloaded with wearable devices that simplify the monitoring of patient health and help collect and store data.
As you can see, embedded systems are everywhere! So if you are eager to invest in this niche, don’t hesitate to contact professionals from sirinsoftware.com. They will surely help you tackle that challenge as they have many years of experience under their belt!