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Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments

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Based on 643 ratings
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Alex Fosdick

Welcome to the Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments. This course is focused on giving you real world coding experience and hands on project work with ARM based Microcontrollers. You will learn how to implement software configuration management and develop embedded software applications. Course assignments include creating a build system using the GNU Toolchain GCC, using Git version control, and developing software in Linux on a Virtual Machine. The course concludes with a project where you will create your own build system and firmware that can manipulate memory.

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Welcome to the Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments. This course is focused on giving you real world coding experience and hands on project work with ARM based Microcontrollers. You will learn how to implement software configuration management and develop embedded software applications. Course assignments include creating a build system using the GNU Toolchain GCC, using Git version control, and developing software in Linux on a Virtual Machine. The course concludes with a project where you will create your own build system and firmware that can manipulate memory.

The second course in this 2 course series , Embedded Software and Hardware Architecture, will use hardware tools to program and debug microcontrollers with bare-metal firmware. Using a Texas Instruments MSP432 Development Kit, you will configure a variety of peripherals, write numerous programs, and see your work execute on your own embedded platform!

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What's inside

Syllabus

Embedded System Development Components
Module 1 will introduce the learner to the components of your embedded system software development process. This module will be a quick overview for many topics with detailed analysis to follow in later modules and courses. We start with defining the hardware and software building blocks of Embedded Systems which will include a C-programming refresher. Next you will learn about the important tools a developer will need to use to help design, build and manage their designs. This includes development environments, version control and the hardware kits to install on. Learners will install and use a Virtual machine to complete Week 1 Application Assignment.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops in-demand embedded system software development applications, which are highly relevant to industry
Taught by Alex Fosdick, who are recognized for their work in embedded systems software and development environments
Teaches compilation with gcc and gnu make, which are core skills for embedded system software engineers
Covers memory management, which is highly relevant to embedded system software development
Requires installing additional software and hardware, which may pose a barrier to some students

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Reviews summary

Intro to embedded systems software development

According to learners, this course provides a solid introduction to embedded systems software development, focusing on practical tools like GCC, Git, and Linux. Students appreciated the hands-on assignments and the final project involving memory manipulation, finding them effective for learning. However, some learners noted that the initial setup process involving the Linux VM and toolchain can be challenging and that the course requires a strong prerequisite understanding of C programming and basic Linux command-line usage to succeed without significant difficulty. Overall, it serves as a valuable foundational course for those entering the field.
Lectures are clear and easy to follow.
"The video lectures were well-explained and covered the topics clearly."
"Instructor is knowledgeable and presents the material effectively."
"Found the lectures engaging and easy to understand the core ideas."
"The theoretical concepts were explained well before diving into practice."
Provides a solid base for beginners.
"This course gives a great overview of the embedded software development process from compilation to memory."
"It's a good starting point to understand the tools and concepts before diving into hardware."
"Learned key foundational concepts about build systems, memory segments, and development workflows."
"Perfect for someone like me who was new to the embedded software world."
Hands-on projects reinforce learning effectively.
"The assignments are the strongest part of the course; building the makefile and using Git felt very practical."
"Loved the final project where we manipulated memory – it really solidified the concepts."
"Working with GCC and the build system on my own was incredibly valuable experience."
"The hands-on nature of the labs and project makes the learning stick."
Initial environment setup can be tricky.
"I spent a significant amount of time just trying to get the Linux VM and toolchain set up correctly."
"Getting the development environment running smoothly was the hardest part of the course for me."
"The setup instructions were okay, but troubleshooting installation issues was frustrating."
"I wish there was more dedicated support for the initial setup process."
Requires strong C and Linux basics.
"If you don't have a solid background in C programming, this course will be very difficult."
"Basic familiarity with the Linux command line is definitely required to follow along easily."
"The C refresher is brief; assume you already know C well."
"Struggled a bit because my Linux skills weren't as strong as needed."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments with these activities:
Embedded Systems: A Comprehensive Guide
Provides a comprehensive overview of embedded systems, covering topics such as hardware architecture, software development, and real-time operating systems.
View Introduction to Embedded Systems, Second... on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read Chapter 1: Introduction
  • Read Chapter 2: Hardware Architecture
  • Read Chapter 3: Software Development
Review C-programming
EmbedsYS software has its roots in C-programming. Review to help refresh coding skills.
Browse courses on C
Show steps
  • Revisit concepts of data types, operators, and control structures
  • Practice writing simple C programs
Getting Started with Embedded System Build Systems
Build systems are used daily in embedded software development to automate software development tasks. Working through some tutorials will greatly increase your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Embedded Systems
Show steps
  • Find a tutorial on embedded system build systems
  • Follow the tutorial and complete the exercises
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Memory Management Exercises
Exercises that test your understanding of embedded memory systems.
Browse courses on Memory Management
Show steps
  • Find practice exercises on embedded memory management
  • Complete the exercises and review your answers
Contribute to an Open Source Embedded Systems Project
Contribute to an open source embedded systems project to gain practical experience and improve your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Open Source
Show steps
  • Find an open source embedded systems project to contribute to
  • Review the project's documentation and code
  • Identify a bug or feature to work on
  • Submit a pull request with your changes
Document Your Build System
Create a document that thoroughly describes your build system, including its components, workflow, and usage. This will help you solidify your understanding of the concepts covered in the course and improve your communication skills.
Browse courses on Build Systems
Show steps
  • Plan the structure and content of your documentation
  • Write the first draft of your documentation
  • Review and revise your documentation
Microcontroller Project
Build a project using a microcontroller to apply the concepts covered in the course.
Browse courses on Microcontrollers
Show steps
  • Choose a project idea
  • Design and implement the hardware for your project
  • Write the software for your project
  • Test and debug your project
Embedded Systems Best Practices Presentation
Create a presentation that discusses best practices in embedded systems development.
Browse courses on Embedded Systems
Show steps
  • Research and identify best practices in embedded systems development
  • Develop the content of your presentation
  • Create slides for your presentation

Career center

Learners who complete Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Embedded Systems Engineer
An Embedded Systems Engineer designs, develops, and maintains firmware for embedded systems. The course's focus on real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers can provide a solid foundation for this role. By learning how to implement software configuration management and develop embedded software applications, individuals can gain valuable knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Systems Engineer
Software Developer
A Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software applications. The course's focus on giving learners real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers would provide valuable skills for this role. By learning how to create a build system using the GNU Toolchain GCC and develop embedded software in Linux on a Virtual Machine, individuals can gain practical experience that is highly relevant to this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer
Firmware Engineer
A Firmware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains firmware for embedded systems. The course's focus on giving learners real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers would be highly relevant to this role. By learning how to use version control and develop embedded software applications, individuals can gain valuable knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer
Microcontroller Programmer
A Microcontroller Programmer designs, develops, and maintains firmware for microcontrollers. The course's focus on giving learners real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers would provide a solid foundation for this role. By learning how to create a build system using the GNU Toolchain GCC and develop embedded software in Linux on a Virtual Machine, individuals can gain practical experience that is highly relevant to this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Microcontroller Programmer
Embedded Software Developer
An Embedded Software Developer designs, develops, and maintains software for embedded systems. The course's focus on giving learners real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers would provide a solid foundation for this role. By learning how to use version control and develop embedded software applications, individuals can gain valuable knowledge and skills that are highly sought after in this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Software Developer
Hardware Engineer
A Hardware Engineer designs, develops, and maintains hardware for embedded systems. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of how hardware and software interact in these systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Hardware Engineer
Robotics Engineer
A Robotics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains robots. The course's focus on giving learners real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers would provide a solid foundation for this role. By learning how to create a build system using the GNU Toolchain GCC and develop embedded software in Linux on a Virtual Machine, individuals can gain practical experience that is highly relevant to this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Robotics Engineer
Computer Engineer
A Computer Engineer designs, develops, and maintains computer systems. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of how computer systems work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Computer Engineer
Electrical Engineer
An Electrical Engineer designs, develops, and maintains electrical systems. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of how electrical systems work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Electrical Engineer
Mechatronics Engineer
A Mechatronics Engineer designs, develops, and maintains mechatronic systems. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of how mechatronic systems work.
See salaries and explore the career path for Mechatronics Engineer
Quality Assurance Engineer
A Quality Assurance Engineer tests and evaluates software and hardware products to ensure they meet quality standards. The course's focus on giving learners real-world coding experience and hands-on project work with ARM-based microcontrollers would provide valuable experience for this role. By learning how to test and debug embedded software applications, individuals can gain practical skills that are highly relevant to this field.
See salaries and explore the career path for Quality Assurance Engineer
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates and maintains technical documentation. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of how to write technical documentation for these systems.
See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer
Product Manager
A Product Manager manages the development and launch of new products. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of the products they are managing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Product Manager
Project Manager
A Project Manager plans, executes, and closes projects. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of the projects they are managing.
See salaries and explore the career path for Project Manager
Sales Engineer
A Sales Engineer sells technical products and services. The course's focus on giving learners an overview of the components of embedded systems, including hardware and software, would provide valuable context for this role. By learning about the hardware and software building blocks of embedded systems, individuals can gain a better understanding of the products they are selling.
See salaries and explore the career path for Sales Engineer

Reading list

We've selected 12 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Introduction to Embedded Systems Software and Development Environments.
Cover image
Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated...
Save
A comprehensive reference book covering all aspects of embedded system design. Useful as a reference tool and for additional reading.
Integration Technologies for Industrial Automated...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
GNU Make Reference Manual
Save
The definitive guide to GNU Make, the build system used in this course. Useful as a reference tool and for additional reading.
GNU Make Reference Manual: Version 4.2
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Embedded System Design
Save
Provides a comprehensive introduction to embedded system design, covering both hardware and software aspects. Useful as background reading and for additional depth.
Embedded System Design
Paperback
Check
Embedded System Design
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
ARM Assembly Language
Save
Provides a thorough introduction to ARM assembly language, which is essential for embedded system development. Useful as background reading and for additional depth.
ARM Assembly Language
Hardcover
$$$
ARM Assembly Language: Fundamentals and Techniques,...
Kindle Edition
$$$
Cover image
The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and Cortex®...
Save
Comprehensive guide to the ARM Cortex-M3 and Cortex-M4 processors. It provides a detailed overview of the architecture, programming, and debugging techniques for these processors.
The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and Cortex®...
Paperback
$$$
The Definitive Guide to ARM® Cortex®-M3 and Cortex®...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
Embedded Systems
Save
Comprehensive guide to the design and development of embedded systems. It provides a detailed overview of the hardware and software components of embedded systems, including processors, memory, I/O devices, and operating systems.
Embedded Systems: A Contemporary Design Tool
Kindle Edition
$$$$
Embedded Systems: A Contemporary Design Tool
Paperback
$$
Cover image
Hardware and Computer Organization
Save
Comprehensive guide to the design and development of embedded systems. It provides a detailed overview of the hardware and software components of embedded systems, including processors, memory, I/O devices, and operating systems.
Hardware and Computer Organization
Paperback
Check
Hardware and Computer Organization
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Embedded Software Development with C
Save
Comprehensive guide to the design and development of embedded software with C. It provides a detailed overview of the C programming language, including data types, control flow, and functions.
Embedded Software Development with C
Paperback
Check
Embedded Software Development with C
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Practical Guide to Azure Cognitive Services
Save
Comprehensive guide to the design and development of embedded systems. It provides a detailed overview of the hardware and software components of embedded systems, including processors, memory, I/O devices, and operating systems.
Practical Guide to Azure Cognitive Services:...
Paperback
$$
Practical Guide to Azure Cognitive Services:...
Kindle Edition
$$
Cover image
The Avr Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Using...
Save
Comprehensive guide to the design and development of embedded C programming for the Atmel AVR microcontroller. It provides a detailed overview of the C programming language, including data types, control flow, and functions.
The Avr Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Using...
Paperback
Check
The Avr Microcontroller and Embedded Systems Using...
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Embedded Systems Architecture
Save
Comprehensive guide to the architecture, design, and programming principles of embedded systems. It provides a detailed overview of the hardware and software components of embedded systems, including processors, memory, I/O devices, and operating systems.
Embedded Systems Architecture
Paperback
Check
Embedded Systems Architecture
Kindle Edition
Check
Cover image
Embedded Linux Primer
Save
Practical guide to the design and development of embedded Linux systems. It provides a detailed overview of the Linux operating system, including its architecture, programming, and debugging techniques.
Embedded Linux Primer: A Practical, Real-World...
Paperback
$$

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Rating
4.5 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Empty star
Effort
Approx. 9 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Colorado Boulder
Instructor
Alex Fosdick
Language
English
Transcripts
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Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops in-demand embedded system software development applications, which are highly relevant to industry
Taught by Alex Fosdick, who are recognized for their work in embedded systems software and development environments
Teaches compilation with gcc and gnu make, which are core skills for embedded system software engineers
Covers memory management, which is highly relevant to embedded system software development
Requires installing additional software and hardware, which may pose a barrier to some students
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