Devine, James and Finney, Joe and de Halleux, Peli and Moskal, Michal and Ball, Thomas and Hodges, Steve (2019) MakeCode and CODAL : Intuitive and efficient embedded systems programming for education. Journal of Systems Architecture, 98. pp. 468-483. ISSN 1383-7621
Full text not available from this repository.Abstract
Historically, embedded systems development has been a specialist skill, requiring knowledge of low-level pro- gramming languages, complex compilation toolchains, and specialist hardware, firmware, device drivers and applications. However, it has now become commonplace for a broader range of non-specialists to engage in the making (design and development) of embedded systems - including educators to motivate and excite their stu- dents in the classroom. This diversity brings its own set of unique requirements, and the complexities of existing embedded systems development platforms introduce insurmountable barriers to entry. In this paper we present the motivation, requirements, implementation, and evaluation of a new programming platform that enables novice users to create effective and efficient software for embedded systems. The platform has two major components: (1) Microsoft MakeCode (www.makecode.com), a web app that encapsulates an accessible IDE for microcontrollers; and (2) CODAL, an efficient component-oriented C++ runtime for microcon- trollers. We show how MakeCode and CODAL combine to provide an accessible, cross-platform, installation-free, high level programming experience for embedded devices without sacrificing performance and efficiency.