Python for embedded systems is a better choice, particularly for embedding IoT devices that connect to cloud technologies. Although many programming languages are compatible with embedded systems, such as C, which is considered the industry standard, many embedded developers still prefer Python. A faster development cycle, easy readability, and simplicity are some unique features of Python that are making it a more popular choice among programming languages for embedded systems.
Python for Embedded Systems: When is it the Better Choice?
Although some programming languages are considered industry standards for embedded programming, many changes in modern computing have altered the landscape. Factors such as development goals, memory constraints, performance requirements, and device type determine which programming language to select for embedded programming. Generally, developers choose the programming language that best suits the project based on project requirements.
For an embedded software developer, there are many choices when selecting programming languages. However, Python for embedded systems has its own advantages, such as its ease of learning. Once a programmer understands Python’s programming concepts, the entire development process becomes much easier and quicker than in other languages.
Advantages of Python for Embedding Developers:
With Python, developers can create well-structured, compact, and highly readable code. Embedded development becomes more efficient with Python due to the mix of features it offers. Another advantage is that Python is compact, which is very important because it helps coders accommodate different designs with less code, which fulfills an essential requirement for embedded systems. Moreover, embedded developers are, in most cases, highly proficient in C, where memory is managed manually, making them less efficient at automated memory management. However, working with Python makes them familiar with automatic memory management, which helps simplify software development while minimizing the risk of memory-related mistakes. It allows developers to adopt a new programming approach to build powerful embedded devices. Moreover, with Python, embedded developers can also adopt Object-Oriented concepts in embedded environments.
As embedded systems become more sophisticated, Python offers many advantages, particularly when used to augment traditional embedded techniques.
Programming Languages for Embedded Programming:
As such, Python enables embedded programmers to quickly develop applications due to its greater flexibility and easier prototyping. Although the C language remains at the top due to its close integration with underlying hardware, in many cases, Python might not always replace C; however, its growing ecosystem makes it a powerful choice for modern IoT applications.
In the traditional setup, embedded developers relied heavily on low-level programming languages such as C. However, with the sophistication of modern hardware and optimization of Python implementation, developers are effectively implementing Python across embedded applications.
For example, IoT devices continuously send the generated data to the cloud, and they use programming languages to complete the process. The decision to use a particular programming language depends on network protocols, hardware capabilities, and device type.
While C or C++ is the top choice for low-power microcontrollers and devices with limited memory, Python is the best choice for powerful devices. Python, with several libraries, enables faster integration with cloud technologies and is very easy to communicate with HTTP or MQTT protocols, making it an ideal solution for data processing and edge computing. Embedded programmers may choose C, C++, or Python for sophisticated and larger embedded applications.
An Example of Python for Embedded Systems: To Streamline Electric Lighting
The operation of standard electric lighting seems simple. However, the entire process becomes complicated for autonomous self-contained light, primarily when used across the mid-ocean for marine navigation. Here, the lighting devices use solar energy to power the integrated batteries. The amount of solar radiation fluctuates due to factors such as seasons, weather, solar panel orientation, and the Earth’s position.
Operating under such conditions requires careful management of battery status to ensure smooth operation and long life. Lighting operators have to monitor the battery status and conserve it throughout the night.
Moreover, it requires a battery to store extra energy to power the lighting and emit internationally recognizable flash codes, among other things. At times, dealing with difficult situations may require wireless networking to communicate with other lights or the central station.
Operation of Sophisticated Gadgets:
All the above functionalities require these lights to exhibit strong electrical, electronic, mechanical, and optical design. Such high-tech gadgets can run successfully with embedded software.
Importance of Python for Embedded Systems:
In the above lighting system example, it necessitates the deployment of embedded systems on a massive scale. There is a preference for inexpensive components that are also low-power, highly reliable, and miniature-sized.
For example, Carmanah, the lighting company, expanded Python adoption across multiple key areas of the embedded system’s lifecycle. Python efficiently manages the software development process. While enabling the combination of embedded software for various applications from a large number of standard components.