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embedded systems developer

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April 2, 2024 Updated May 19, 2025 19 minute read

A Comprehensive Guide to Becoming an Embedded Systems Developer

Embedded systems developers are the architects and programmers behind the specialized computer systems that control countless devices we interact with daily. From the anti-lock braking system in your car to the firmware running your smartwatch, embedded systems are everywhere, performing dedicated functions within larger mechanical or electrical systems. This field offers the unique challenge of working closely with hardware, optimizing performance under constraints, and seeing your code directly impact the physical world.

Embarking on a career as an embedded systems developer can be incredibly rewarding. It involves a fascinating blend of software engineering and hardware understanding, requiring a knack for problem-solving in resource-constrained environments. Imagine designing the control systems for a life-saving medical device, programming the intricate logic of an industrial robot, or developing the next generation of smart home technology. These are the kinds of impactful and exciting projects that embedded systems developers work on.

What is Embedded Systems Development?

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Salaries for embedded systems developer

City
Median
New York
$140,000
San Francisco
$167,000
Seattle
$140,000
See all salaries
City
Median
New York
$140,000
San Francisco
$167,000
Seattle
$140,000
Austin
$137,000
Toronto
$102,000
London
£84,000
Paris
€55,000
Berlin
€84,000
Tel Aviv
₪465,000
Singapore
S$130,000
Beijing
¥742,000
Shanghai
¥360,000
Shenzhen
¥589,000
Bengalaru
₹376,000
Delhi
₹729,000
Bars indicate relevance. All salaries presented are estimates. Completion of this course does not guarantee or imply job placement or career outcomes.

Path to embedded systems developer

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We've curated 24 courses to help you on your path to embedded systems developer. Use these to develop your skills, build background knowledge, and put what you learn to practice.
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Cornerstone for understanding how to effectively use the features introduced in C++11 and C++14. It provides practical, guideline-based advice that is essential for writing correct, efficient, and maintainable modern C++ code. Widely regarded as a must-read for intermediate to advanced C++ developers, it solidifies understanding of key modern idioms and best practices.
Is an official guide to OpenGL ES 3.0, providing a comprehensive and detailed overview of the API. It is an excellent resource for beginners and experienced developers alike, covering the fundamentals of OpenGL ES 3.0 as well as advanced topics such as shaders and advanced rendering techniques.
Is the authoritative guide to the C++ concurrent and parallel programming facilities, covering C++11, C++14, and C++17. It dives deep into threads, mutexes, futures, and other concurrency tools. Essential for anyone writing multithreaded applications in modern C++, it key resource for contemporary C++ development.
Comprehensive guide to Git, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics. It great resource for both beginners and experienced Git users.
Provides a comprehensive guide to C++ templates. It valuable resource for developers who want to learn about templates and how to use them effectively.
An updated perspective on concurrency in modern C++, this book covers the features available in C++11, C++14, C++17, and C++20. It complements 'C++ Concurrency in Action' with potentially newer insights and coverage of the latest standards. Essential for writing concurrent applications.
An excellent comprehensive introduction to C++ for beginners and those with some programming experience, covering C++11 features. It provides a solid foundation in the core language and standard library. is widely used as a textbook in universities and is highly recommended for gaining a broad understanding of C++.
Provides a comprehensive and in-depth guide to C++ templates, covering features up to C++17. Templates are a powerful and complex part of C++, and this book is essential for mastering them. It valuable resource for advanced C++ programmers looking to deepen their understanding of generic programming.
Focused specifically on move semantics and rvalue references, this book provides a comprehensive explanation of these crucial C++11 features. Understanding move semantics is vital for writing efficient modern C++ code, especially when dealing with resources. offers a thorough treatment of the topic.
Provides a comprehensive overview of OpenGL ES for mobile devices. It covers the basics of OpenGL ES as well as advanced topics such as mobile device programming and 3D graphics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the OpenGL ES Shading Language (GLSL). It covers the basics of GLSL as well as advanced topics such as shaders and advanced rendering techniques.
Provides a deep dive into C++ lambda expressions, a powerful feature introduced in C++11 and enhanced in later standards. It covers their mechanics, usage patterns, and evolution up to C++20. Essential for mastering functional programming paradigms in modern C++.
Focusing on software design principles and patterns in the context of modern C++, this book guides developers in building robust and maintainable C++ systems. It bridges the gap between general design patterns and their effective application using modern C++ features and best practices. Valuable for improving software architecture skills.
Authored by the creator of C++, this is the definitive and comprehensive reference to the language, updated for C++11. While dense, it provides deep insight into the language's design and features. It is an invaluable resource for gaining a thorough understanding of C++ and is often used as a reference by professionals and in academic settings.
Explores design patterns with a focus on implementing them using modern C++ features and techniques. It provides practical examples and guidance for applying established design patterns effectively in C++. Useful for understanding how to leverage modern C++ for good software design.
Focused on optimizing C++ code for performance, this book covers various techniques and tools for writing high-performance applications in C++17. It is relevant for developers working on performance-critical systems. It provides practical advice and examples for achieving better efficiency.
Provides a set of coding standards for C++. It valuable resource for developers who want to write high-quality, maintainable C++ code.
Covers the basics of Subversion, such as setting up a repository, making commits, and branching. It also discusses more advanced topics, such as using Subversion for collaboration and conflict resolution.
This pocket-sized guide concise reference for Git commands. It's a great resource to have on hand when you're working with Git.
Practical guide to OpenGL ES 3.0 for Android developers. It covers the basics of OpenGL ES 3.0 as well as advanced topics such as shaders and advanced rendering techniques.
Provides a comprehensive overview of OpenGL ES for web developers. It covers the basics of OpenGL ES as well as advanced topics such as web programming and 3D graphics.
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