Embedded development is a segment of software development that focuses on creating software to control machines, devices, or systems. Embedded software is usually designed for specific hardware and works “behind the scenes” without input from the user.
What Is Embedded Development?
Embedded development is the process of creating an application that runs on a specialized computer system. This type of system often has limited resources, such as memory and processing power, and is dedicated to a specific task.
Unlike general-purpose computers, which can run multiple applications, an embedded system caters to a limited set of functions.
Types of Embedded Software Development
Examples of embedded software are:
- Firmware
- Operating System (OS)
- Middleware
- Standalone
- Application
Meanwhile, embedded development can be broken down into three main categories: small-scale, medium-scale, and sophisticated scale.
Small Scale Embedded Systems
At the smallest scale, you have systems with minimal resources. These could be simple medical instruments, sensors, or home appliances. The complexity of these systems is relatively low. Accordingly, programming is often done at a lower level using languages like Assembly or C.
Medium Scale Embedded Systems
Medium-scale systems are somewhat more powerful. They can manage more complex tasks. You may find them in automotive systems like engine control units (ECUs) or consumer electronics like mobile phones. These are more likely to use high-level programming languages like Python, C++, or Java.
Sophisticated Scale Embedded Systems
Sophisticated-scale embedded systems are used in aviation or medical machines like MRI scanners. The software for these embedded systems is complex, with a strong focus on real-time performance, reliability, and safety.
Streamlined Embedded System Development with Incredibuild
Incredibuild is a comprehensive instrument that accelerates the development of embedded systems. It enables developers to utilize distributed computing across a network of machines to speed up compile time, improve overall productivity, and reduce time-to-market for embedded applications.