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.