Toolchain Compiler for Embedded C Project from Udemy

What are you going to learn in this course?

Within this course you will get to know different compilation stages that result in generation of the final executable binary, which get loaded later into your embedded device (microcontroller or any kind of embedded device).

When it comes to embedded Systems and to be more precise embedded C programming, a lot of problems and issues are hidden within the flow that translate your high level C code into low level executable file containing the machine code (binary code) to be executed by the processor. In Most of the cases when you create your embedded C project using some some abstracted IDEs like VSCode, IDE like eclipse , Keil-mdk, …, you don't know what is going in background to go from C level sources to final Executable binary file (.elf, .bin, .hex to be loaded into the device, the whole flow is kind of transparent in such way it become quiet hard to question if the issue/problem you are facing is coming from that flow or from you C level based code.

This is not always about figuring out issues, you may need to do some extra preprocessing or postprocessing on the intermediate generated files out of those build stages, so knowing what is going on really and what are those intermediate files will helps you to identify the steps to be done for those pre/post processing extra steps.

In this Course , you will see in pretty close and low level way those different compilation stages, what are the different intermediate files that can be generation out of those stages, how the final binary get linked , what pre/post processing additional stages that can be inserted, all of this using some basic low level written makefile to get control over all those steps without the need to have abstracted fancy IDE for such build procedure.

Which make you motivated to get involved in this Course?

The way it is written and who wrote this course is one of the key motivation to engage yourself in this Course.

Wassim Dhokar was working in embedded systems field for more than decade now , and he was at some point exactly like you as a beginner confused and not knowing what is going within the background of the build procedure triggered by one of the front-end IDEs like eclipse, he knows exactly the frustration you may feel when this whole flow is hidden from you or when a colleague/instructor start asking question about this process or to check some of generated intermediate files out of compilation, therefore he will try to guide you in easy way through :

The different Compilation Stages concepts
The need of compiler
The functionality and what is expected from each compilation stages
The key features of each stage
Give you an example about existing Toolchain compiler to be used (armgcc toolchain for ARM cortex-M Micro-processors)
Provide a makefile template project to be used to invoke the different toolchain tools needed for compilation stages
Will guide you through different makefile rules and show you how to update the make file to add or remove one of those stages
Provide multiple Examples as prove of concepts for the theoretical parts
Show you how to manipulate the final binary using the different toolchain helper tools like: objdump, objcopy ...

The makefile you get here can be used as template and starting point for your Embedded C project, which will sav e you plenty of time to setups everything from scratch.

So welcome to this Course and let's start our Trip here.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Get to know the procedure and stages to compile embedded c code
Understand each compilation stage and the expected outcome
Identify the set of build tools to be needed out of any toolchain package required to build embedded c project
Get to know armgcc toolchain compiler, and how to use it to compile your arm based c projects

How to modify your project makefile to invoke compiler tools
Different toolchain helper tools like objdump and objcopy which can be used to modify the content of your binary file and how to invoke those tools
Understand the different supported features and options by each compilation stage

Get to know the procedure and stages to compile embedded c code
Understand each compilation stage and the expected outcome
Identify the set of build tools to be needed out of any toolchain package required to build embedded c project
Get to know armgcc toolchain compiler, and how to use it to compile your arm based c projects
How to modify your project makefile to invoke compiler tools
Different toolchain helper tools like objdump and objcopy which can be used to modify the content of your binary file and how to invoke those tools
Understand the different supported features and options by each compilation stage

Syllabus

Introduction

Definition

From Toolchain to Hardware

Compilation Stages Concept

Please find attached makefile projects used to build and compile our embedded C project as well as installation readme pointing to different tools and packages required to build your project

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Explores the compilation stages in embedded C programming, which can help engineers debug and optimize their code more effectively

Uses the armgcc toolchain, which is a widely used compiler suite for ARM Cortex-M microprocessors in embedded systems development

Provides a makefile template project, which can save engineers time and effort in setting up their build environment from scratch

Covers the use of tools like Objdump and Objcopy, which are essential for analyzing and manipulating binary files in embedded systems

Requires installing GnuWin32 and Cygwin64, which may present a barrier for learners unfamiliar with these environments

Reviews summary

Embedded c toolchain compilation deep dive

According to learners, this course provides a deep and practical understanding of the embedded C compilation process. Students particularly praise the detailed breakdown of compilation stages (preprocessing, compilation, assembly, linking) and the focus on building projects using Makefiles, giving them low-level control over the build procedure. The use of the arm-none-eabi-gcc toolchain and practical examples with helper tools like objdump and objcopy are highlighted as highly valuable for embedded development. While the core content is well-received, some reviewers note that environment setup and tool installation can be a challenging step, potentially requiring extra effort outside the course materials. The course is considered best suited for learners with some prior C or embedded experience.

Best for learners with C/embedded basics.

"Pace was good, assuming you know basic C."

"You definitely need some prior embedded or C experience to follow easily."

"This course is probably best for someone who has already done some embedded work."

Hands-on use of arm-gcc and helper tools.

"The examples with `arm-none-eabi-gcc`, `objdump`, and `objcopy` are highly practical."

"The explanations of ELF files and linker scripts were particularly helpful."

"Learning how to use objdump and objcopy to inspect binaries was very useful."

Learn to control builds using Makefiles.

"The Makefile approach is fantastic for controlling the build."

"The focus on command-line tools and Makefiles gives you total control."

"The Makefile project template provided is a great starting point."

"Using Makefiles instead of an IDE helped me understand the steps better."

Gain deep insights into the build process.

"Understanding the preprocessor, compiler, assembler, and linker stages at this level is crucial for embedded development and rarely explained so clearly."

"Finally, someone explains what goes on behind the scenes when you press 'build' in an embedded IDE."

"The detailed explanation of compilation stages (preprocessing, compilation, assembly, and linking) is a major strength."

"The deep dive into the different compilation stages gave me a solid understanding."

Tool installation can be difficult for some.

"Installation needed some fiddling on Windows, but the core content is gold."

"I found the installation instructions for Cygwin slightly outdated, but manageable."

"Content is good, but the environment setup was a pain. I spent more time getting the tools installed correctly..."

"Installation instructions could be clearer for absolute beginners."

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 Toolchain Compiler for Embedded C Project with these activities:

Review C Programming Fundamentals

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Strengthen your understanding of C programming concepts, which are essential for understanding the embedded C code compilation process.

Browse courses on C Programming

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Review basic C syntax and data types.
Practice writing simple C programs.
Study pointers and memory management in C.

Read 'Embedded Systems Architecture' by Tammy Noergaard

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Gain a broader understanding of embedded systems architecture to better appreciate the role of the compiler and toolchain.

View Embedded Systems Architecture: A Comprehensive... on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to embedded system components.
Focus on sections describing memory organization and peripheral interfaces.

Follow ARM GCC Toolchain Tutorials

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Learn how to use the ARM GCC toolchain, which is a common toolchain for embedded C development, by following online tutorials.

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Find tutorials on using ARM GCC for Cortex-M microcontrollers.
Follow the tutorials to compile and debug a simple embedded C program.
Experiment with different compiler flags and linker options.

Four other activities

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Show all seven activities

Read 'Linkers and Loaders' by John R. Levine

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Deepen your understanding of the linking stage by studying a dedicated book on linkers and loaders.

View Windows XP Home Edition on Amazon

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Read the chapters related to linking object files.
Focus on sections describing linker scripts and symbol resolution.

Create a Makefile Tutorial

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Solidify your understanding of Makefiles by creating a tutorial for others.

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Research best practices for writing Makefiles.
Write a clear and concise tutorial explaining Makefile syntax and usage.
Include examples relevant to embedded C projects.
Publish the tutorial on a blog or online forum.

Build a Simple Embedded C Project from Scratch

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Reinforce your understanding of the entire compilation process by building a simple embedded C project from scratch using a Makefile.

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Choose a simple embedded application (e.g., blinking an LED).
Write the C code for the application.
Create a Makefile to compile and link the code.
Flash the compiled binary to a microcontroller and test the application.

Contribute to an Open Source Embedded Project

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Apply your knowledge of toolchains and compilation by contributing to an open-source embedded project.

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Find an open-source embedded project on GitHub or GitLab.
Identify a bug or feature to work on.
Build the project using the appropriate toolchain.
Submit a pull request with your changes.

Career center

Learners who complete Toolchain Compiler for Embedded C Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Embedded Software Engineer

An Embedded Software Engineer develops software for embedded systems, like microcontrollers. This course directly addresses the compilation process, which is essential for generating the executable code used by these systems. An engineer must know the compilation stages, intermediate files, linking, pre and post processing, and how to use makefiles, all of which are directly covered in this course. The course will help build a foundation for developing and troubleshooting issues related to the build flow of embedded systems. This course focuses on a low-level view of the whole process, which is critical for efficient and effective system design. It will be of particular use to an engineer when understanding and manipulating the toolchain to create binaries for microcontrollers.

See salaries and explore the career path for Embedded Software Engineer

Firmware Engineer

A Firmware Engineer creates the low-level software that controls the hardware in embedded systems. Understanding the compilation stages and toolchain is vital for this role, as the firmware must be compiled into machine code that the hardware can execute. This course provides insights into the various compilation stages, including preprocessing, compiling, assembling, and linking, as well as tools like objdump and objcopy. A firmware engineer will need to understand how to use makefile templates to control the toolchain, so this course is particularly relevant. The course provides hands-on experience with makefile projects and demonstrates how to generate binaries from C source code, vital skills for any firmware engineer.

See salaries and explore the career path for Firmware Engineer

Build Engineer

A Build Engineer manages and maintains the build process for software projects. This course provides essential, detailed information on the different stages of compilation, linking, and toolchain use. Knowledge of makefile templates and how to invoke the tools will be particularly useful for a Build Engineer. The course directly addresses the concerns of a Build Engineer in the embedded space. The low-level details covered in the course, along with hands-on examples, allows a Build Engineer to improve and maintain the software build process for embedded systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Build Engineer

IoT Engineer

An Internet of Things Engineer designs and develops connected devices. These devices often use microcontrollers and embedded software. Thus, this course can be very useful. This course focuses on compilation stages, linking, and how to use makefiles, all of which are beneficial in generating the software for IoT devices. The course gives engineers a low-level understanding of the build process, which is key for developing efficient and reliable IoT hardware and software. The hands-on experience with makefile projects and toolchain manipulation will help an IoT Engineer manage their project development.

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Computer Engineer

A Computer Engineer is generally interested in both hardware and software aspects of a computer system. This course will be particularly useful because it provides an in-depth look into the software compilation process for embedded systems. A Computer Engineer benefits from understanding the various compilation stages, from preprocessing to linking as well as how to generate executable binary. This course offers a chance to become familiar with makefile projects and toolchain tools like objdump and objcopy which is valuable for any Computer Engineer working with embedded systems.

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Robotics Engineer

A Robotics Engineer designs and builds robots; this often involves creating and integrating embedded systems. This course will be helpful because the compilation process is essential for creating code for robot controllers. The course's focus on compilation stages, intermediate files, and linking will provide a robotics engineer with the knowledge to generate code effectively. The study of makefile templates and how to use toolchain tools are very useful for controlling the build process. Though robot work is not limited to C, this course will help when dealing with low-level operations, which are critical in robotics.

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Systems Engineer

A Systems Engineer works with the architecture and design of entire systems, which often include embedded components. Understanding the build process for embedded software is valuable when integrating software and hardware. This course aids in understanding the compilation stages, intermediate files, and linking processes, all of which play a crucial role in system integration. This course’s detailed look at the build process, from C code to executable binary, will help systems engineers make informed decisions on their projects. It also offers knowledge of makefile templates and toolchain manipulation, helpful for managing complex embedded system designs.

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Automation Engineer

An Automation Engineer develops systems that control processes or machines automatically. Many automation systems use embedded devices, so knowing the software build process is beneficial. This course teaches the various compilation stages, linking, and use of makefiles which are very helpful in automation projects where microcontrollers are central. The course provides a low-level understanding of the software build process, which allows an Automation Engineer to write and debug embedded code more effectively. The ability to use makefile templates to manage the build process will be especially helpful for an Automation Engineer.

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Lecturer

A Lecturer or instructor teaching embedded systems will find this course useful because it provides a deep dive into the software build process. The hands-on experience with makefile templates and working with the toolchain will help prepare lesson material, assignments, and activities. The course provides a detailed look at compilation stages, linking, and the use of tools like objdump and objcopy. A lecturer will benefit from the material when teaching low level details about compilation, which can help the next generation of engineers.

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Test Engineer

A Test Engineer develops test plans and procedures for electronics and software. This course aids in knowing how embedded software is built, which is vital for testing. The course describes compilation stages, linking processes, and the use of toolchain helpers like objdump, which greatly aids in troubleshooting and verifying software integrity. This course’s detailed examination of the software build process can help a test engineer identify root causes of software related failures. The use of makefile templates are also important to fully test software builds.

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Hardware Engineer

A Hardware Engineer designs and develops physical components of computer systems. Although a Hardware Engineer's work is mostly with circuits, this course offers a crucial understanding of the software compilation process. Knowing how C code is translated into machine code allows for better collaboration with software engineers and for debugging integrated systems. The course covers the compilation stages, linking, and tools like objdump, all of which will be useful in debugging and testing hardware-software integrations. While not the central focus of a hardware engineer's daily tasks, the course will be helpful in a team environment where hardware interacts with software.

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Technical Lead

A Technical Lead manages a team of engineers and is responsible for the technical direction of a project. If the project involves embedded systems, this course can be helpful. It provides information regarding the various compilation stages, linking, and build toolchain. As it covers the whole build process and how software is turned into the machine code, it can help a technical lead make informed decisions and guide their team effectively. The material on makefile templates and how to control the toolchain will be valuable to a technical lead involved with an embedded system project.

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Application Engineer

An Application Engineer is responsible for the technical aspects of a customer engagement. If these aspects include embedded systems, this course can prove beneficial. The course provides a low-level overview of the software build process, including compilation, linking, and build tools, which will be helpful in designing and troubleshooting embedded systems. This will help an application engineer understand potential software issues when deploying for customers. Understanding of makefile templates and working directly with the toolchain is important for a technical customer support role.

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Software Architect

A Software Architect has responsibility for the overall design and structure of a software system. This course may be useful to a Software Architect who is designing a system involving embedded components. It will provide background about the software build process, including compilation stages, linking, and toolchain manipulation. The material in this course will help a software architect make informed choices about the software and how it integrates with hardware. The low-level knowledge of how software is built from C source to binary may be critical to a project's success.

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Research Scientist

A Research Scientist works on exploration and development of new technologies, often including embedded systems. This course may be useful when working with low-level software creation. The course provides information on the compilation stages, linking, and how to use build tools. This knowledge is helpful for evaluating new embedded technologies and for analyzing existing ones. The course provides a detailed understanding of the software build process, which allows a research scientist a deeper understanding of the performance and capabilities of embedded systems.

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Toolchain Compiler for Embedded C Project

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Embedded c toolchain compilation deep dive

Activities

Career center

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