Difference Between C And Embedded C Decoded!

C is one of the most common programming languages used in multiple applications, including but not limited to web development, system programming, embedded systems, etc.

Embedded C is an extension of the C programming language, specifically designed for embedded systems. From their creators to their uses, there are several, albeit minor differences between the two.

Let's understand both C and Embedded C, their features, and differences:

What is the C programming language?

C is a general-purpose procedural, computer-oriented programming language that allows structured programming and is widely used to construct desktop programs. It's a high-level language frequently used by beginners and experienced developers, alike.

The C programming language was designed and developed by Dennis Ritchie and his Bell Labs team. The fundamental advantages of the C programming language are its efficiency, its small collection of keywords, and the ease with which complexity may be managed. As a result, it is often used in the creation of system software such as operating systems and compilers.

Structure of the C program

C is a compiler-based programming language. Here's a look at its structure:

HEADER	#include<stdio.h>
MAIN()	int main() {
VARIABLE DECLARATION	int a=10;
BODY	printf(”%d”,&a);
RETURN	return 0;

C language features:

C language has low-level access, i.e., it provides direct access to the hardware drivers or the hardware platform.
A program in C is written as a series of steps (procedural) and is statically typed (types of variables and expressions are declared before being used).
C is a general-purpose language and produces fast and compact code. Thus, it is portable and efficient. Portability implies that code can be written in C and run on different platforms. This is done by using the C compiler which transforms the source code into an equivalent machine code.
C is a structural programming language designed with different keywords, data types, variables, constants, etc.

These features make C language suitable for the development of operating systems.

Advantages of C

The C language is actually a building block for many different types of current languages as it has a powerful operator and a variety of data types
C is a portable language. This means if the program is written on one computer, it can be easily transferred to another computer, including one with a different hardware architecture and operating system, without any change.
It's incredibly easy to make, test and debug programs in C.
It has flexibility, which means its programs can be easily extended.

Disadvantages of C

The C language does not have object-oriented programming(OOP) concept therefore C++ has been developed.
We can’t check the run time in the C language.
It does not have strict type checking for example we can easily pass the integer value.
In C language, there is no namespace concept.
It does not have any constructor or destructor concept.
Unlike modern programming languages, it lacks important, high-level built-in features (dynamic memory allocation, garbage collection, etc.).

What is Embedded C?

An extension of the C language, Embedded C is used for the development of micro-controller-based applications, automotive systems, sensors, etc. It was extended by the Standard Committee C in 2008 for solving the commonality issues that exist in various C language extensions. It belongs to the C family of languages and mostly uses syntax and standard C semantics.

Embedded C plays an important role in our day-to-day life - the electronic devices we use like mobile phones, washing machines, and digital cameras all use microcontrollers that are programmed by embedded C.

Some key features of Embedded C are:

Embedded C has hardware access i.e., direct access to hardware registers. It's a hardware-dependent language.
It's easier to develop code using Embedded C because it provides real-time programming and allows interrupt handling.
Embedded C includes several extensions, such as accessing address spaces, I/O fixed-point arithmetic operations, hardware addressing, etc.
Embedded C is primarily used as a language for programming microcontrollers and has extensive industrial applications.

These features make it ideal for developing limited memory systems or small, low-level systems that are energy-saving.

Advantages of Embedded C

It's efficient. It optimizes system resources like memory processing power, etc. This makes it highly useful in embedded systems with limited resources.
It enables code to be reused, simplifying the process of developing software for different platforms.
By using embedded C, precision control over an embedded system's hardware resources can be maintained. This is because of the existence of low-level features like direct register access and bit manipulation.
Highly suitable for real-time applications with crucial timing constraints.

Disadvantages of Embedded C

Compared to standard C programming, it's more complex to learn. It also has no standardization.
Modern programming languages have several high-level features that are missing in Embedded C. For example, Object-Oriented Programming, Garbage Collection, etc.
It also has an issue of scalability, which means it can’t easily be scaled up to respond to a change in scope or demand.
It's more susceptible to security risks. Memory management requires diligent attention as memory can be directly manipulated through pointers.

Key Differences between C and Embedded C

Here are the major differences between C and Embedded C:

PARAMETERS	C	EMBEDDED C
Definition	C is a high-level programming language, which is used to design any type of desktop-based application. It's also a general-purpose programming language, focused on developing software for general-purpose computers.	Embedded C is an extension of C language. It's focused on developing software for embedded systems.
Dependency on Hardware	C language is a hardware-independent language.	Embedded C is a fully hardware-dependent language.
Language Compiler	C language uses the standard compiler to compile and execute the program and generates OS-dependent executable files.	Embedded C employs specific compilers that can generate particular hardware/microcontroller based output. It generates hardware-dependent files.
Popular Compilers	Popular language compilers to execute C language: GCC (GNU compiler collection), Borland turbo C, and Intel C++	Popular language compilers to execute an Embedded C language program are:· Keil compiler BiPOM ELECTRONIC, Green Hill Software
Format of Program Coding	C language has a free format of program coding.	Formatting depends upon the type of microprocessor that is used.
Use	It is specifically used for desktop applications. Applications include: GUI Embedded software Operating Systems operation	It is used for embedded systems. Applications of Embedded C Program: DVD/TV Vehicle Tracking Systems Digital camera
Optimization	It has a normal level of optimization and supports various other programming languages during application. Input can be given to the programming whilst it is running.	It displays a high level of optimization. Only the pre-defined input can be given to the running program.
Fixing Bugs	Fixing bugs is very easy in C language.	Fixing bugs is complicated.

Mainly C programming language (C and Embedded C) is used to develop the applications that are nearest to the hardware i.e. the applications which directly communicate to the hardware. Here are some examples of where it's used:

To design programming translators (like compilers, interpreters, etc.).
To design an operating system (for the computers).
To design firmware (for the embedded system).
To design device drivers (an application that manages the attached devices to the embedded systems).
To design games, verification software (where we need direct access to the hardware).
Common applications of the programming language: speed checker, traffic light control, controlling street lights, AI, home automation, etc.

Similarities between C and Embedded C

C and Embedded C are quite similar, as the latter is an extension of the former. Both have slightly similar syntax and hardware and software applications can be developed by combining C with Embedded C.

The development of embedded systems has a different set of challenges for developers as it is a resource constraint system. Programming embedded systems involve controlling actual hardware via software.

Even though many languages existed previously and many modern programming languages are still evolving, C has emerged as one of the most popular languages for Embedded Systems development and programming.

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Srishti Magan

Sr. Content Editor

I’m a reader first and a writer second, constantly diving into the world of content. If I’m not writing or reading, I like watching movies and dreaming of a life by the beach.