C++ in Embedded Systems: A practical transition from C to modern C++

Go beyond C by applying modern C++ in embedded systems to enhance code readability, maintainability, and scalability

Key Features

• Bridge the gap between C and modern C++ for embedded systems through practical examples
• Learn how to save memory and cut down on runtime computing using compile-time computation techniques
• Improve your software design skills by applying patterns to solve common problems in embedded systems using C++
• Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBook

Book Description

Transitioning from C can be daunting, with concerns about performance overhead, added complexity, and unfamiliar tooling. Addressing these challenges, Amar Mahmutbegovic, an advocate for modern C++ in embedded development, shows you how to harness zero-cost abstractions, compile-time checks, and powerful modern C++ capabilities to preserve performance while achieving safer, cleaner code. This book bridges the gap between traditional C and advanced C++, helping you retain the efficiency C developers demand while unlocking the safety and expressiveness of modern C++. Starting with a modern development environment setup, including a Docker container for seamless example replication, you’ll overcome the hurdles of using the C++ standard library in memory-constrained settings and get acquainted with the Embedded Template Library (ETL) as an alternative. The book walks you through essential C++ concepts before exploring advanced topics such as templates, strong typing, error handling, compile-time computation, and RAII. Through practical examples, you’ll implement a sequencer, write a type-safe HAL, and apply patterns like Command, State, and Observer to solve common embedded development problems. By the end of this book, you’ll have learned how to apply modern C++ to develop robust, modular firmware with performance matching or exceeding hand-coded C solutions.

What you will learn

• Debunk myths and misconceptions about using C++ in embedded systems
• Set up build automation tailored for C++ in constrained environments
• Leverage strong typing to improve type safety
• Apply modern C++ techniques, such as Resource Acquisition Is Initialization (RAII)
• Use Domain Specific Language (DSL) with a practical example using Boost SML
• Implement software development best practices, including the SOLID principle, in embedded development

Who this book is for

This book is for embedded developers who primarily use C and want to adopt a modern C++ approach. It introduces fundamental C++ concepts, making it suitable for beginners, while also assuming basic familiarity to fully leverage advanced features like compile-time computation. Even those with prior C++ experience will discover new ways to apply modern best practices to write more efficient and maintainable embedded applications.

Table of Contents

1. Debunking Common Myths about C++
2. Challenges in Embedded Systems with Limited Resources
3. Embedded C++ Ecosystem
4. Setting Up the Development Environment for a C++ Embedded Project
5. Classes – Building Blocks of C++ Applications
6. Beyond Classes – Fundamental C++ Concepts
7. Strengthening Firmware – Practical C++ Error Handling Methods
8. Building Generic and Reusable Code with Templates
9. Improving Type-Safety with Strong Types
10. Writing Expressive Code with Lambdas
11. Compile-Time Computation
12. Writing C++ HAL
13. Working with C Libraries
14. Enhancing Super-Loop with Sequencer
15. Practical Patterns – Building a Temperature Publisher
16. Designing Scalable Finite State Machines
17. Libraries and Frameworks
18. Cross-Platform Development