How do you design embedded software for backward and forward compatibility with firmware versions?

I developed a framework for our firmware which had both a hardware and a software abstraction layer in it. We supported 15 different boards, all ARM, some STM and two different versions of the RTOS we used. All of the boards had FPGA's with different capability and each capability was abstracted as a module with a potentially different address. The framework allowed FPGA modules to be configured at different addresses, as well as other non-FGPA hardware (buses, motor controllers) to be "modularized" at different addresses (simplistically this was the HAL) and the software/OS functions were wrapped to hide version and capability differences. A separate but definitely advantage of using the abstraction layer was mocking for unit tests.

Abstraction layers are like magicians who keep their tricks hidden, but lets you enjoy the show. What do they do? Let’s break it down: - They’re cover artists, hiding the nitty-gritty of complex details. - They’re lone wolves, isolating hardware-specific code. - They’re diplomats, separating firmware logic from the application. The best part? They cut down dependencies and make updates breezy! ??? Once, I played around with abstraction layers on a project with 15 different boards. It was like cleaning a messy room, everything fell into place. The framework simplified, and unit testing became a cakewalk! Isn't that cool? What's your favorite coding trick that makes your life easier?

There are plenty of tools to maintain versioning and documentation. I personally use such a mix of tools in project: 1. Management system(f.e. Jira) 2. Repository management(f.e. gitlab or github) 3. CI/CD(f.e. github actions) 4. Management system <-> repository management integration Example flow of running project is like this: 1. Prepare next sprint with release in management software 2. Prepare tasks with descriptive info 3. Remember to use integration to properly name branches and commits 4. When release is finished based on tasks prepare changelog 5. Make release on management system Naming convention example: year-month-release_number Remember to document release and documentation flow.

A possible solution is to adopt a systematic versioning and documentation approach. This entails assigning unique identifiers to each release and creating comprehensive user manuals. To implement this: 1. Assign unique identifiers to each release. For example, use easy-to-track systems like 'year-month-release_number'. 2. Create detailed user guides and manuals for each version. 3. Employ project management tools such as Jira to track changes.

Compatibility techniques. Specifically, utilizing standard interfaces and version-check mechanisms. This involves keeping abreast with tech updates and being adaptable. Here's a quick guide on how to implement this: Step 1: Understand your tech environment. Know the older and newer versions you need to be compatible with. Step 2: Implement standard interfaces. This helps guarantee steadiness across different versions. Step 3: Conduct version checks. Regularly confirm that your software or hardware works with different versions. By following these, you can expect improved usability and fewer breaking changes. Implementing these solutions will lead to a more adaptable and reliable tech environment.