Embedded C++
Embedded C++ (EC++) is a dialect of the C++ programming language for embedded systems. It was defined by an industry group led by major Japanese central processing unit (CPU) manufacturers, including NEC, Hitachi, Fujitsu, and Toshiba, to address the shortcomings of C++ for embedded applications. The goal of the effort is[citation needed] to preserve the most useful object-oriented features of the C++ language yet minimize code size while maximizing execution efficiency and making compiler construction simpler. The official website states the goal as "to provide embedded systems programmers with a subset of C++ that is easy for the average C programmer to understand and use".[1]
Differences from C++
Embedded C++ is a proper subset of C++. The following language features have been removed:
- Multiple inheritance
- Virtual base classes
- Run-time type information (typeid)
- New style casts (static_cast, dynamic_cast, reinterpret_cast and const_cast)
- The mutable type qualifier
- Namespaces
- Exceptions
- Templates
Some compilers (such as Green Hills and IAR Systems) allows specific features in the above list to be re-enabled if desired, an implementation called "extended embedded C++".[2]
In addition, many users of Embedded C++ avoid the STL with its use of dynamic memory allocation.[3]
Compilation
An EC++ program can be compiled with any C++ compiler. But, a compiler specific to EC++ may have an easier time doing optimization.
Compilers specific to EC++ are provided by companies such as:
- Ceibo[4] Embedded C++ for 8051
- IAR Systems[5]
- Freescale Semiconductor, formerly Metrowerks
- Tasking Software,[6] part of Altium Limited
- Green Hills Software[7]
Criticism
The language has had a poor reception with many expert C++ programmers. In particular, Bjarne Stroustrup says, "To the best of my knowledge EC++ is dead (2004), and if it isn't it ought to be."[8] In fact, the official English EC++ website has not been updated since 2002. Outside of Japan, it hasn't had much market penetration.
See also
References
- ^ EC++ Questions and Answers
- ^ "Embedded and Extended Embedded C++". Retrieved 9 December 2012.
- ^ "Use STL or not?". Retrieved 9 December 2012.
- ^ "Ceibo - Compilers and Emulators". Ceibo website.
- ^ "IAR Systems - Compilers and debuggers". IAR Systems website.
- ^ "Embedded C++ compiler technology". Tasking website.
- ^ "Green Hills Optimizing C/C++/EC++ Compilers". Green Hills Software website.
- ^ "What do you think of EC++?". Bjarne Stroustrup's FAQ.
External links
- Official website
- Background and Objectives of the Embedded C++ Specification Development
- Embedded C++: An Overview, by P.J. Plauger, Embedded Systems Programming, December 1997
- Technical Report on C++ Performance, by WG 21 of ISO Subcommittee SC 22