C++ in Embedded Systems: A practical transition from C to modern C++
Author:Amar Mahmutbegović (Author), Steve Branam (Foreword)
ASIN: B0F2MWYLWW
Publisher finelybook 出版社: Packt Publishing
Publication Date 出版日期: 2025-07-02
Language 语言: English
Print Length 页数: 402 pages
ISBN-10: 1835881157
ISBN-13: 9781835881149
Book Description
Go beyond C by applying modern C++ in embedded systems to enhance code readability, maintainability, and scalability
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.
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
- Practical Patterns – Building a Temperature Publisher
- Designing Scalable Finite State Machines
- Libraries and Frameworks
- Cross-Platform Development
Review
“Ever since I began working with C++, I dreamed of a book that would bridge the gap between the elegance of modern C++ and the rigorous demands of embedded systems. C++ in Embedded Systems is that book—a long-awaited and much-needed guide for engineers who want to move beyond C without sacrificing performance, determinism, or control.
This book does more than advocate for C++ in embedded environments—it shows you how to do it, safely and effectively. At first, it serves as a myth buster for those who are afraid of C++ (and as an embedded SW developer I know many of these). […] At last, it provides the reader with several common embedded-oriented frameworks and libraries. The author clearly understands both worlds – C++ and embedded – and he navigates that intersection with practical wisdom and clarity.”
Alexander Kushnir, Principal Software Engineer, Johnson&Johnson Medtech
“[…] You may have been reluctant to use C++ because of past concerns about its suitability for embedded systems. The language and its compilers have evolved over the decades to eliminate those concerns. Better type and memory safety mean the compiler finds more errors at compile time without runtime overhead.
Amar takes you through the features of modern C++ (through C++23) that achieve these improvements. These include techniques like static and dynamic binding, dynamic and compile-time polymorphism, templates and metaprogramming, resource management, and compile-time computation, as well as patterns and principles that support robust design. He provides simple, practical examples written from the perspective of an experienced embedded systems developer and shows you how to use tools like Compiler Explorer and Renode to examine the generated machine code and simulate embedded targets to convince yourself that these methods deliver on their promises.
The methods you learn here will help you build more reliable, flexible, maintainable, reusable, adaptable, efficient embedded systems.”
Steve Branam, Senior Software Development Engineer, Amazon Robotics
“One of the book’s standout features is its practical approach. It’s packed with sample code that is easy to follow, using freely available tools, making hands-on learning available. Every chapter is purposefully framed, showing not only its relevance but also how it fits into the broader narrative of this book.
While highly valuable, this book is best suited for intermediate or advanced developers with a solid grasp of toolchains and machine code. It is not designed for complete beginners, but for those with foundational experience who are looking to dispel common misconceptions about using C++ in embedded development. The author does an excellent job in addressing these misunderstandings, clearing up persistent doubts about performance, efficiency, and debugging strategies.
[…] This book is a superb addition to the embedded development literature, filling an essential gap for intermediate engineers moving toward modern C++. Its carefully curated content, strong practical examples, and well-grounded explanations make it a must-read for those aiming to modernize their embedded software development practices.”
Nino Vidovic, Senior Software Engineer at SEGGER Microcontroller GmbH
About the Author
Amar Mahmutbegović is the co-founder and head of engineering at Semblie, where he leads the utilization of modern C++ for firmware development. His expertise extends to working on BLE consumer devices and medical devices, delivering sophisticated solutions for a wide range of clients, including start-ups. Amar’s dedication to innovation helps bring electronic product ideas to the world. Amar actively shares C++ benefits in the embedded community via blogs and LinkedIn. He also mentors young engineers, enhancing their skills in modern development practices. His work aims to make embedded systems more accessible, maintainable, and scalable, bridging the gap between traditional methods and modern efficiencies for developers worldwide.