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

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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 how to harness zero-cost abstractions, compile-time checks, and 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 expect while unlocking safety and expressiveness of modern C++.

Starting with a modern development environment setup, including a Docker container for seamless example replication, you’ll overcome challenges of using the C++ standard library in memory-constrained settings and explore the Embedded Template Library (ETL) as an alternative. The book walks 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 embedded problems.

By the end, you’ll be able to apply modern C++ to develop robust, modular firmware with performance matching or exceeding hand-coded C solutions.

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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 Debunking Common Myths about C++ Challenges in Embedded Systems with Limited Resources Embedded C++ Ecosystem Setting Up the Development Environment for a C++ Embedded Project Classes – Building Blocks of C++ Applications Beyond Classes – Fundamental C++ Concepts Strengthening Firmware – Practical C++ Error Handling Methods Building Generic and Reusable Code with Templates Improving Type-Safety with Strong Types Writing Expressive Code with Lambdas Compile-Time Computation Writing C++ HAL Working with C Libraries Enhancing Super-Loop with Sequencer (N.B. Please use the Read Sample option to see further chapters)