Bare metal Embedded SW

are metal embedded software referring to programming in embedded systems without an operating system (OS) or middleware layers.

This approach involves writing low-level code that interacts directly with the hardware, often in resource-constrained environments.

tool-chain

A toolchain in embedded systems development is a set of programming tools used to develop, compile, and debug software for embedded devices.

It typically includes a compiler, assembler, linker, and debugger, along with other utilities.

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Native Toolchain

Native toolchain refers to a set of development tools used to compile and build software for the same architecture and operating system on which the development is performed. In other words, the toolchain is designed for the host machine's architecture.

Components:

• Compiler: Compiles source code into machine code for the host system. For example, gcc for Linux or cl for Windows.
• Assembler: Converts assembly language code into machine code.
• Linker: Links object files into executables or libraries for the host system.
• Debugger: Debugs the application running on the host system.
• Libraries: Standard libraries and runtime for the host system.

Example Use Case:

• Developing applications on a Linux PC that runs on an x86 architecture. The toolchain will compile code for the same x86 architecture and Linux OS.

Example Toolchain:

• GCC (GNU Compiler Collection): Provides a native compiler for various operating systems and architectures.

Cross Compiling Toolchain

Cross-compiling toolchain is used to compile code on a host system for a target system with a different architecture or operating system. The toolchain generates binaries for a target platform different from the one used for development.

Components:

• Cross-Compiler: A compiler that generates code for the target architecture. For example, arm-none-eabi-gcc for ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.
• Cross-Assembler: Assembles code for the target architecture.
• Cross-Linker: Links object files to create executables for the target system.
• Cross-Debugger: Debugs applications running on the target system. For example, gdb with a remote connection.

Example Use Case:

• Developing firmware for an ARM microcontroller on a Linux PC. The cross-compiling toolchain will generate code for the ARM architecture, not x86.

Example Toolchain:

• GNU Arm Embedded Toolchain: A cross-compiling toolchain for ARM Cortex-M and Cortex-R processors.