EmbeddedRelated.com

Colin Walls (@colinwalls)


Product quality: belief or proof?

Colin Walls October 7, 2024

Embedded software development is a challenging activity, so it is essential to have tools and IP that is of the best quality. However, assessing that quality can be, in itself, a challenge.


Small or fast?

Colin Walls August 26, 20244 comments

Developers of software for desktop computers take code optimization for granted. Embedded developers typically need to pay much more attention to the details


Stand-by or boot-up

Colin Walls August 8, 2024

Many factors affect the usability of devices - a key one is how long it takes to start up.


Parlez vous Fortran?

Colin Walls June 24, 2024

A look at the variety of programming languages that are [or have been] used for embedded and some thoughts on the future possibilities.


Core competencies

Colin Walls May 27, 2024

Creating software from scratch is attractive, as the developer has total control. However, this is rarely economic or even possible with complex systems and tight deadlines.


A design non-methodology

Colin Walls April 25, 2024

Although writing an RTOS or kernel may be an interesting project, it is unlikely to be a wise course of action.


The volatile keyword

Colin Walls April 1, 20245 comments

Although the C keyword volatile is very useful in embedded applications, care is needed to use it correctly and vigilance is required to ensure its correct implementation by compilers.


The RTOS minefield

Colin Walls February 26, 2024

Choosing an RTOS is challenging both technically and when assessing suppliers.


++i and i++ : what’s the difference?

Colin Walls January 25, 20242 comments

Although the ++ and -- operators are well known, there are facets of their operation and implementation that are less familiar to many developers.


Remember Y2K?

Colin Walls December 21, 20231 comment

There was fear that the turn of the century at the end of 1999 would cause problems with many embedded systems. There is evidence that the same issue may occur in 2038.


More than just a pretty face - a good UI is essential

Colin Walls November 30, 20231 comment

A user interface can make or break a device - determining its success in the marketplace. With careful design, the UI can make the product compelling and result in a high level of satisfaction from new and experienced users.


Software is free and can right any wrong

Colin Walls October 26, 2023

Software changes are so much easier than hardware modifications, so the temptation is always to take this approach to fixing bugs. This may not always be a good idea.


There are 10 kinds of people in the world

Colin Walls September 27, 2023

It is useful, in embedded software, to be able to specify values in binary. The C language lacks this facility. In this blog we look at how to fix that.


Who needs source code?

Colin Walls August 31, 2023

Many developers feel that the supplying source code is essential for licensed software components. There are other perspectives, including the possibility of it being an actual disadvantage. Even the definition of source code has some vagueness.


Assembly language is best - except when it isn’t

Colin Walls July 27, 20231 comment

A look at why writing in C often produces more efficient code than hand-written assembly language.


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