Embedded development: 6 necessary skills for firmware engineers

　　 Having the right tools for the job is critical to success , But in the hands of people with the wrong skills , The results can be catastrophic . Firmware engineers need six basic skills to succeed in today's fast-paced embedded development environment .

　　 Skill 1 – Defect management ( Former “ debugging ”)

　　 According to the relevant research , Debugging embedded systems is the biggest challenge for developers and managers , Even more than the challenge of completing the project on time . without doubt , The increasing complexity of embedded systems and the time spent in debugging are the main drivers of on-time delivery . Having the skills to quickly and effectively debug real-time embedded systems can directly affect the time to market and development costs , This is why mastering debugging skills is crucial to the success of Engineers .

　　 Skill 2 – Real time language skills

　　 Most people lack the programming language skills needed to deliver real-time embedded products , understand C or C++ Firmware engineers who have subtle differences and can apply these skills will be more successful , Skilled language developers will know which structures are safe 、 Defective or can be applied under given system constraints . For embedded development firmware engineers who want to achieve long-term success , It is necessary to master programming language skills .

　　 Skill 3 – Understanding component level hardware

　　 Firmware developers may find that they only focus on skills directly related to developing software and completely ignore hardware . Why not focus on your major areas of expertise ? At some point in each project , All the small environments need to gather together to integrate and debug the system . Firmware engineers who can be unique in software and hardware will be better able to play a role and lead the work , Ultimately, it will be more valuable to the management and the team .

 

　　 Skill 4 – Healthy skepticism

　　 Suspicion of health may be more of a state of mind or attitude , Not a pure skill , But today we will think of it as a skill to master . For all our human Engineers , At some point in our career , We will select a component 、 A library or make a decision that will bite us back . A healthy skepticism can help embedded development engineers see the changing trend , And determine when to add new technology 、 Processes or platforms are meaningful .

　　 Skill 5 – Self promotion ability

　　 Firmware engineers who can sell themselves will gain many advantages . Universities don't teach marketing skills like resume optimization or interview skills , Engineers must learn these skills immediately in the field interview , An engineer who can sell himself and himself will get the job 、 Raises and perks . Firmware engineers need to learn and understand , They're not just in the software business , Marketing skills are also required to maximize success .

　　 Skill 6 – organization

　　 The ability to organize software and create beautiful architectures is very important for embedded software engineers , But the real skill of an organization is undoubtedly to be able to find what you need when you need it , Disciplined organization is a very important but rare skill among many engineers .

　　 There are many possible skills that can help firmware engineers succeed , These seven are, of course, indispensable , Although it may not be obvious , What other skills do embedded developers need ?