C++ in Embedded Systems: A practical transition from C to modern C++

by Amar Mahmutbegović

Go beyond C by applying modern C++ in embedded systems to enhance code readability, maintainability, and scalability

Key FeaturesBridge the gap between C and modern C++ for embedded systems through practical examplesLearn how to save memory and cut down on runtime computing using compile-time computation techniquesImprove your software design skills by applying patterns to solve common problems in embedded systems using C++Purchase of the print or Kindle book includes a free PDF eBookBook DescriptionTransitioning from C can be daunting, with concerns about performance overhead, added complexity, and unfamiliar tooling. Addressing these challenges, Amar Mahmutbegovic, an advocate for modern C++ in embedded development, shows you how to harness zero-cost abstractions, compile-time checks, and powerful modern C++ capabilities to preserve performance while achieving safer, cleaner code. This book bridges the gap between traditional C and advanced C++, helping you retain the efficiency C developers demand while unlocking the safety and expressiveness of modern C++. Starting with a modern development environment setup, including a Docker container for seamless example replication, you’ll overcome the hurdles of using the C++ standard library in memory-constrained settings and get acquainted with the Embedded Template Library (ETL) as an alternative. The book walks you through essential C++ concepts before exploring advanced topics such as templates, strong typing, error handling, compile-time computation, and RAII. Through practical examples, you'll implement a sequencer, write a type-safe HAL, and apply patterns like Command, State, and Observer to solve common embedded development problems. By the end of this book, you’ll have learned how to apply modern C++ to develop robust, modular firmware with performance matching or exceeding hand-coded C solutions.

What you will learnDebunk myths and misconceptions about using C++ in embedded systemsSet up build automation tailored for C++ in constrained environmentsLeverage strong typing to improve type safetyApply modern C++ techniques, such as Resource Acquisition Is Initialization (RAII)Use Domain Specific Language (DSL) with a practical example using Boost SMLImplement software development best practices, including the SOLID principle, in embedded developmentWho this book is forThis book is for embedded developers who primarily use C and want to adopt a modern C++ approach. It introduces fundamental C++ concepts, making it suitable for beginners, while also assuming basic familiarity to fully leverage advanced features like compile-time computation. Even those with prior C++ experience will discover new ways to apply modern best practices to write more efficient and maintainable embedded applications.

Table of ContentsDebunking Common Myths about C++Challenges in Embedded Systems with Limited ResourcesEmbedded C++ EcosystemSetting Up the Development Environment for a C++ Embedded ProjectClasses – Building Blocks of C++ Applications Beyond Classes – Fundamental C++ ConceptsStrengthening Firmware – Practical C++ Error Handling Methods Building Generic and Reusable Code with Templates Improving Type-Safety with Strong Types Writing Expressive Code with LambdasCompile-Time Computation

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025