A programming language is a vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer or computing device to perform specific tasks. Most technology, if not all all; deal with software in one way or the other and Embedded System is not left out. As we all know, Embedded System is made up of Hardware and Software components and programming languages are what is needed to write these softwares. So, in this post we will be looking the top programming languages you must be comfortable working with if you're thinking of going into the field of embedded system. The list below consist of languages for both embedded hardware and software programming. So, without spending much time: let's get started.
1. C/C++:
C known as the mother of all programming language is a low-level programming language use for programming microcontrollers. Embedded system comprises of hardware and software and C language (other than Assembly language) is the best language for programming microcontrollers (the brains of the embedded system) and for writing device drivers. C is user friendly, flexible and versatile, which means it allows maximum control with minimum commands. C++ was created as an extension of C incorporating features of object-oriented programming making it more desirable to veteran programmers.
2. Python:
Python is a general-purpose high-level programming language. Python is a very valuable programming language in the field of embedded system: apart from being good in making Graphical User Interface (GUI) for controlling your embedded devices, Python is also great in manipulating the data gotten from the sensors in your embedded devices (especially in your IoT projects). Python is also used for programming embedded development boards such as Raspberry Pi and Arduino Yun.
3. JavaScript:
Universally known as language of the web, JavaScript is a feature-rich object-oriented scripting language. What started as a simple site scripting language now boast of different frameworks for both front-end and back-end web development. A few of the frameworks include: NodeJS, AngularJS, ReactJS etc. So, if you are looking at connecting your embedded devices via the internet, JavaScript is worth checking out.
4. Java:
Java is an open source Object-Oriented programming language useful for variety of applications in embedded system. Java is very popular when it comes to creating complex web applications, enterprise applications and embedded softwares. Java is also very famous for building mobile applications. So, if you which to control your embedded devices using android applications: Java is your language.
5. Assembly Language:
Assembly Language is the closest language to the computer hardware that is humanly understandable. Although the learning curve is steep; because, you will have to learn the instruction sets specific to the microcontroller or microprocessor you are using before you can utilize the full potential of the language. But if your program involves fast execution speed and limited memory space, then you should consider using Assembly Language. Assembly language give you the power to control your hardware even more than C Language.