Embedded software development tools - a third way

Colin Walls, Mentor Graphics
embedded.com (December 13, 2014)

What is so special about programming embedded software? More specifically, how does it differ from programming for desktop computers? Along with addressing these questions, this article looks at why there are so many options for embedded development tools - why such a wide choice? And what strategy makes sense for selecting them? Are free tools worth having or do you need to pay real money?

The need for embedded tools
A significant factor in getting any kind of job done properly is having the right tools. This is true whether you are remodeling a kitchen, fixing your car, or developing embedded software. Of course, it is the last of these that is of interest here. I have been evangelizing on this topic for years (decades!). The problem is that there is a similarity - arguably superficial - between programming an embedded system and programming a desktop computer. The same kind of languages are used and software design techniques are fairly universal. However, there are some major differences.

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