The Rise of Python for Embedded Systems

Do you know that Python, which is younger than C and C++ has backed top position in IEEE Spectrum? Yes, this open-source language retained its position from 2017 till today. Though 95% of embedded systems run on C/C++ this blog will help you understand why you should choose Python for embedded systems.

 

 

For any software developer, Python is the wisest choice to build embedded systems. Python has dominated the IEEE Spectrum ranking for all programming languages. It has ranked first in use cases like Web, Enterprise, and Embedded systems. It is primarily due to the ease of use of this programming language. The messages sent from embedded system using Python opens up the possibility to automate for the end-users. MicroPython is another version of Python which is widely used for running microcontrollers as well as embedded systems. Read further to learn the key features of Python that have made it ahead of other programming languages for embedded systems. 

 

Key Features Of Python

 

 

• Ease Of Use

 

Four lines of code in other languages could be easily written in a single line when it comes to Python. Python has been made the introductory programming language in the curriculum as it is easy to learn. This High-Level programming language allows you to concentrate more on algorithms and bring in innovations rather than spending too much time on coding.

 

 

• Readability

 

Guido Van Rossum developed Python for engineers to emphasize code readability. Even if you are new to coding you can easily understand the flow while reading. You can easily edit existing codes and you could work efficiently without wasting much time understanding the flow. The reason is, Python uses simple English language for its commands.

 

 

• Free And Open Source

 

Python is an OSI-approved open-source licensed software. Hence this software is free and available to all users around the world. Python is customizable for engineers by downloading the source code and modifying it. This open-source software could be used for commercial applications and thus it became more popular among developers.

 

 

• Interpreted Language

 

We all know that there are two types of languages - one is interpreted and the other is compiled language. C and C++ are all compiled languages whereas Python is an interpreted language. So when compiled languages like C and C++ are used for embedded systems you have to spend time compiling these codes. But when you write Python for the embedded systems there is no necessity to spend time compiling these codes.

 

 

• Lots Of Built-In Libraries

 

Python has a built-in library, which are built-in modules that offer standardized solutions for many functionalities. So you need not depend on external libraries. Python library has over 20,000 packages covering all the functions needed for you while coding.

 

 

• Portable

 

Python is easily portable and you can work over the same codes in different OS. If you start to code in Windows OS you transfer and run the same code in MAC. There is no need to rewrite the codes when you want to run on different machines. Thus Python is better built for engineers who want to work in different environments.

 

 

• Easy To Debug

 

There is always a possibility of making an error when it comes to programming. Python has the easiest easy to debug errors since it is a dynamic coding language. Even if the codes have multiple errors it shows only one error at a time with a red colour marking the error. Only after correcting the error, Python would start executing the remaining codes. If you want to learn more about this language try to opt for a Python programming course.

These were some of the key features of Python which proves that it is the wisest choice for applying it in embedded systems. Also, have a look at the comparison of Python with other languages used for Embedded systems.

 

Advantages Of Using Python For Embedded Systems

Even though C/C++ has a good run time efficiency these languages are complex and consume your time while coding. When coming to Python it offers good readability and consumes less time for coding. In the embedded system using Python, you do not have to spend time cross-compiling codes as you need to do for C/C++. If you are using Java then you may face certain performance issues while including GUIs. Also, Java is not suitable for real-time systems. When it comes to Java Scripts it has a poor run time efficiency and Ada has its own challenge to learn. Even in Python, there is a chance of facing runtime errors, which you could easily overcome by running several tests. Thus Python stays ahead of the curve. If you want to be a developer you can choose a Python course as it is easy to learn and use.

 

 

Start Your Career As A Python Programmer

Python has a wide range of applications due to its simplicity and is an object-oriented language. It is more user-friendly than Java, C, or C++. So it is easier to choose a Python certification course and it will help you to explore more about it. Python is not just confined to CS/IT domains there is also Python for Mechanical Engineers. Even in the automotive industry, there is a need for Python to automate several processes. Mastering this one language will easily help to work on projects related to Machine Learning and Data Science also. This is the reason why you should choose a Python programming course and kick start your career as a Python developer.