Embedded Programming The Future

Hi All,

This is a programming question but i will just explain my work situation. I am an electronics/ embedded engineer working on 8 and 16 bit micros using embedded c. The job market seems to be steadily moving ARM FreeRtos Linux etc etc.

To future prof my career prospects, would you add C++ (or Python) to my skills or stay with C. I do not really understand the ARM Linux part. Does this mean people are writing FreeRtos code on Fedora or Ubuntu in say Eclipse and programming ARM chips. What advice would you give, as i am currently a bit lost on what way to turn.

Thanks,

Rocketman46

It's definitely adding as many skills as you can.

Don't neglect the system analysis and design phases either.
Being able to solve problems at all levels is what will keep you employed when the bean counters come looking for low hanging fruit to cull at the next downturn.

A man who knows "how" will always have a job.
A man who knows "why" will always be his boss.

Hi Salem,

OK so i am going to make the jump from C to C++. Would you fully understand data structures and pointers in C first, or move straight to C++. I do not really know how to approach learning C++. Can you recommend a link on this side or the go to book for learning C++?

Thanks,

Rocketman46

Most people who know what they're talking about suggest that you don't need to be any kind of C wizard before starting on C++.

If C++ is where you want to be, then go straight to C++.

c++ faq - The Definitive C++ Book Guide and List - Stack Overflow
C++ Core Guidelines
Standard C++

But make sure you're learning C++11 / C++14 etc.
C++98 is now 20+ years old and quite long in the tooth compared to modern versions.

Hi Salem,

Thanks for your help.

From you vast experience, and i think you previously posted you are an embedded programmer, and guessing the future would you personally stick to C only or branch to C++ to add another spanner to your tool kit?

Many thanks,

Rocketman46