C language development method based on embedded development environment

Abstract

The invention discloses a C language development method based on an embedded development environment, and relates to the technical field of C language development, comprising the following steps: step 1, automatic adaptation of a hardware platform; step 2, integrated optimization; 3, providing a code template library function; step 4, code version control management; step 5, code component multiplexing storage; step 6, debugging in real time; 7, performing automatic testing and performance analysis; and step 8, optimizing deployment. According to the C language development method based on the embedded development environment, through the functions of automatic hardware platform adaptation, code template and library function support, code version control and reuse and the like, the workload of developers in the aspects of environment configuration, code writing and management is greatly reduced, the developers can more concentrate on implementation of business logic, and the development efficiency is improved. And the development efficiency of the embedded C language is obviously improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of C language development, in particular to a C language development method based on an embedded development environment. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread application of embedded technology, the complexity of embedded systems continues to increase, which puts higher requirements on the efficiency and quality of software development. As a commonly used programming language in embedded development, C language has the advantages of high efficiency and flexibility, but in the traditional embedded development environment, C language development faces many challenges.

[0003] The invention patent with announcement number CN102981860A discloses a method and device for executing Lua scripts on an embedded wireless communication terminal, which adds a Lua script processing module to the embedded wireless communication terminal; and when the terminal starts, it detects whether the initialization FALSH is successful, starts the Bootloader and executes the main function of the C language system library to initialize the C language operating environment; then detects whether the Lua script needs to be loaded at present, performs a syntax check on the Lua script, and then executes the Lua script.

[0004] However, the existing C language development environment has cumbersome configuration, poor compatibility with different hardware platforms, difficult code debugging, and lack of effective code management and reuse mechanisms. These problems have seriously affected the efficiency and quality of embedded C language development and restricted the development of embedded systems. Summary of the invention

[0005] In view of the deficiencies in the prior art, the present invention provides a C language development method based on an embedded development environment, which solves the existing problems.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention is implemented by the following technical solutions: a C language development method based on an embedded development environment, comprising the following steps:

[0007] Step 1: Automatic hardware platform adaptation: When the development environment is started, it automatically detects the connected embedded hardware, identifies its model and chip architecture, and loads the corresponding driver, compiler, debugger plug-in and hardware abstraction layer interface according to its characteristics;

[0008] Step 2: Integrated optimization: Integrate C language development tools such as editors and compilers into a unified environment, optimize compiler options according to embedded system resource constraints, and use code analysis tools to check errors and provide prompts in real time;

[0009] Step 3: Provide code template library functions: Provide C language code templates covering functional modules such as GPIO operations, and build a portable and compatible embedded C language library function library;

[0010] Step 4: Code version control management: Integrate version control systems such as Git to facilitate developers to submit code changes, record versions and modifications, avoid conflicts, and ensure code consistency and integrity;

[0011] Step 5: Code component reuse storage: allows developers to encapsulate commonly used code modules or functions into reusable components and store them in the code library, which can be directly retrieved and imported in new projects;

[0012] Step 6. Real-time debugging: Use the debugger to achieve real-time interaction with the embedded hardware platform program, supporting breakpoint setting, variable viewing, and single-step execution;

[0013] Step 7: Automated testing and performance analysis: Introduce an automated testing framework, write and automatically execute test cases, generate reports containing test coverage and results to find defects, and use performance analysis tools to monitor CPU, memory and other data;

[0014] Step 8. Optimize deployment: Optimize the code using optimization strategies such as memory and execution time based on the embedded system resources and performance requirements, and deploy the compiled executable files and configuration files to the hardware platform via USB or the network.

[0015] Preferably, in step 1, the corresponding driver and configuration file are automatically loaded according to the characteristics of the hardware platform to ensure seamless connection between the development environment and the hardware platform.

[0016] Preferably, in step 2, a suitable optimization level is automatically selected according to the resource limitations of the embedded system (such as memory, storage capacity, etc.), so as to improve the compilation efficiency and the execution efficiency of the generated code while ensuring the code quality. At the same time, the integrated code analysis tool can detect potential problems in the code in real time.

[0017] Preferably, in step five, a code reuse mechanism is established, and developers can encapsulate commonly used code modules or functions into reusable components and store them in a code library.

[0018] Preferably, the step six also supports a hardware simulation function. In the absence of actual hardware devices, developers can use an emulator to simulate the operating environment of the embedded system to perform code debugging and function verification.

[0019] Preferably, step seven also provides a performance analysis tool that can monitor and analyze the program's running performance in real time, such as CPU usage, memory occupancy, and function execution time.

[0020] Preferably, in step eight, for systems with limited memory, memory optimization technology is used to reduce the memory usage of the program. For systems with high real-time requirements, code execution time is optimized, and the execution speed of the program is improved through algorithm optimization, loop unrolling and other technologies.

[0021] Preferably, the step eight also supports a remote code update function. When the embedded system needs to update the software, the developer can transfer the new code version to the device through the network and implement a seamless update without manually disassembling the device or re-burning the firmware.

[0022] The present invention provides a C language development method based on an embedded development environment. Compared with the prior art, it has the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1. This C language development method based on the embedded development environment greatly reduces the workload of developers in environment configuration, code writing and management through functions such as automatic hardware platform adaptation, code template and library function support, code version control and reuse, so that developers can focus more on the implementation of business logic, and significantly improve the development efficiency of embedded C language. The integrated code analysis tools, real-time debugging and simulation functions, and automated testing framework can help developers promptly discover and solve problems in the code and improve the reliability and stability of the code. At the same time, the use of code optimization strategies and performance analysis tools can optimize the performance of the code to better adapt it to the resource limitations and performance requirements of the embedded system.

[0024] 2. This C language development method based on the embedded development environment facilitates code management and maintenance by adopting code version control and reuse mechanisms, allowing developers to easily trace code history, conduct multi-person collaborative development, and reuse existing code modules. The convenient code deployment and update functions reduce the difficulty and cost of system maintenance and improve the availability and maintainability of embedded systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 It is a structural schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the code framework of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 It is a schematic diagram of a code test case of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the dynamic memory allocation of code of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the original code for optimizing the code execution time of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of loop unrolling for optimizing code execution time according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] See also Figure 1-6 , the present invention provides two technical solutions:

[0033] The first implementation method: a C language development method based on an embedded development environment, comprising the following steps:

[0034] Step 1: Automatic adaptation of the hardware platform: When the development environment is started, the system automatically detects the connected hardware devices and identifies key information such as their models and chip architectures. According to the characteristics of the hardware platform, the corresponding drivers and configuration files are automatically loaded to ensure seamless connection between the development environment and the hardware platform. For example, for ARM-based embedded chips, the system automatically loads compilers, debugger plug-ins, and hardware abstraction layer interfaces related to the ARM architecture, allowing developers to quickly enter the development state without having to manually configure complex hardware parameters.

[0035] Step 2: Integrated optimization: Integrate commonly used C language development tools, such as editors, compilers, debuggers, code analysis tools, etc., into a unified development environment. Optimize these tools so that they can run efficiently in an embedded development environment. For example, optimize the compiler's compilation options, automatically select the appropriate optimization level based on the resource limitations of the embedded system (such as memory, storage capacity, etc.), and improve the compilation efficiency and execution efficiency of the generated code while ensuring code quality. At the same time, the integrated code analysis tool can detect potential problems in the code in real time, such as memory leaks, pointer errors, etc., and give corresponding prompts and suggestions to help developers improve code quality.

[0036] Step 3: Provide code template library functions: Provide a wealth of C language code templates, covering common functional modules of embedded systems, such as GPIO operation, timer management, serial port communication, etc. When developers write code, they can directly call these templates to quickly generate a code framework that meets the specifications, reduce repetitive work, and improve development efficiency. At the same time, a C language library function library for embedded systems is established. These library functions are optimized and encapsulated, and can easily implement various complex functions, and have good portability and compatibility. Developers can use these library functions like standard C library functions, which reduces the difficulty of development and improves the readability and maintainability of the code.

[0037] Step 4: Code version control management: Integrate code version control systems, such as Git, to facilitate developers to manage code versions. During the development process, developers can submit code changes at any time and record the historical versions and modification records of the code. When it is necessary to trace back the code or conduct collaborative development, the version control system can effectively avoid code conflicts and ensure the consistency and integrity of the code.

[0038] Step 5: Code component reuse storage: Establish a code reuse mechanism, developers can encapsulate commonly used code modules or functions into reusable components and store them in the code library. In new projects, you only need to retrieve and import these components from the code library to quickly implement the corresponding functions, which improves the code reuse rate and reduces the development cycle.

[0039] Step 6. Real-time debugging: The development environment provides powerful real-time debugging capabilities. Developers can use the debugger to interact with the program running on the embedded hardware platform in real time, set breakpoints, view variable values, and execute in single steps. At the same time, it also supports hardware simulation. In the absence of actual hardware devices, developers can use the simulator to simulate the operating environment of the embedded system to debug the code and verify the function. The simulation environment can accurately simulate the behavior and characteristics of the hardware, including the instruction set of the processor, the registers of the peripherals, etc., so that developers can discover and solve problems in the early development stage and reduce development costs.

[0040] Step 7. Automated testing and performance analysis: With the introduction of an automated testing framework, developers can write test cases and perform automated testing on C language code. The test framework can automatically execute test cases and generate test reports, including test coverage, test results and other information. Through automated testing, defects and errors in the code can be quickly discovered, improving the reliability of the code. In addition, performance analysis tools are provided to monitor and analyze the program's running performance in real time, such as CPU usage, memory occupancy, function execution time, etc. Developers can optimize the code based on the performance analysis results to improve the operating efficiency of the embedded system.

[0041] Step 8, Optimize deployment: According to the resource limitations and performance requirements of the embedded system, the present invention provides a variety of code optimization strategies. For example, for systems with limited memory, memory optimization techniques such as variable storage optimization and memory allocation optimization are used to reduce the memory usage of the program; for systems with high real-time requirements, code execution time is optimized, and the execution speed of the program is improved through algorithm optimization, loop expansion and other technologies. Developers can choose appropriate optimization strategies according to specific application scenarios and optimize the C language code to meet the requirements of embedded systems.

[0042] The development environment provides a convenient code deployment function. Developers can quickly deploy compiled executable files and related configuration files to embedded hardware platforms through USB, network, etc. At the same time, it supports remote code update function. When the embedded system needs to update the software, developers can transfer the new code version to the device through the network and implement seamless update without manually disassembling the device or re-burning the firmware, which improves the maintainability and availability of the system.

[0043] Second implementation method: Development environment configuration and initialization

[0044] (I) Hardware platform adaptation example

[0045] When a developer connects an embedded hardware device (such as a development board based on an STM32 chip) to a computer, the development environment automatically detects the connection of the device and obtains information such as the device's VID (Vendor ID) and PID (Product ID) through the USB interface.

[0046] Based on the acquired device information, the system searches for the corresponding configuration files and drivers in the pre-configured hardware platform database. For example, for the STM32 chip, the corresponding compiler configuration, debugger plug-in, and STM32 hardware abstraction layer interface file for the ARM-Cortex-M3 architecture are found.

[0047] Automatically load these configuration files and drivers to complete the adaptation of the development environment and the hardware platform. At this point, developers can see relevant information about the hardware device in the development environment, such as chip model, memory size, peripheral resources, etc., and can directly perform development operations without manually performing complex hardware configuration.

[0048] 2. Software tool integration and optimization examples

[0049] In terms of editor, a C language editor with syntax highlighting, auto-completion, code folding, etc. is integrated. In view of the characteristics of embedded development, the editor is customized. For example, specific code indentation rules and comment formats are set to meet the coding standards of embedded development.

[0050] The compiler uses GCC (GNU Compiler Collection) and optimizes the configuration according to the resources of the embedded system. For example, for systems with small memory, set the compiler optimization level to -Os (optimize for size) to reduce the size of the generated executable file; for systems with high execution speed requirements, set the optimization level to -O3 (optimize for speed) to improve the execution efficiency of the code. At the same time, the compiler also supports compilation options for different hardware platforms. Developers only need to select the target hardware platform in the project settings, and the compiler can automatically apply the corresponding compilation parameters.

[0051] The debugger integrates GDB (GNU Debugger) and is seamlessly integrated with the development environment through plug-ins. Developers can directly start the debugger in the development environment to set breakpoints, view variable values, and perform single-step execution. The debugger also supports remote debugging. When the hardware device is connected to the development environment through the network, developers can perform remote debugging locally, which is convenient and fast.

[0052] (III) Code template and library function support examples

[0053] Suppose the developer needs to write a code to control the high and low levels of the GPIO pin output. In the development environment, select the "GPIO Operation" code template from the menu, and the system will automatically generate Figure 2 The code framework in the figure, wherein gpio.h is the GPIO library function header file provided by the present invention, which includes the declarations of functions such as gpio_init, gpio_set_mode, and gpio_set_level. These functions are implemented in the gpio.c file, which encapsulates the operations on the GPIO registers. Developers can easily implement the GPIO control function without having to understand the details of the underlying hardware.

[0054] (IV) Code version control and reuse examples

[0055] When developing an embedded project, the developer first initializes a Git repository in the development environment. After completing the development of a functional module, the developer can submit the current code version to the Git repository by selecting "Submit Code" from the shortcut menu provided by the development environment and entering the submission information (such as "Complete GPIO control functional module development").

[0056] Suppose that during the subsequent development process, it is found that there is a problem with the previous code and it is necessary to go back to a previous version. Developers can open the Git version control interface in the development environment, view the historical version records of the code, select the version to be backtracked, and click "Restore to this version". The development environment will automatically restore the code to the specified version, making it easier for developers to troubleshoot and repair problems.

[0057] In another project, it is necessary to implement a serial communication function similar to the previous project. Developers can search the code library for the serial communication component encapsulated in the previous project. After finding it, they can import the component into the current project through the import function of the development environment. After importing, you only need to call the interface function provided by the serial communication component in the code to quickly implement the serial communication function without rewriting the code, which improves development efficiency and code reuse rate.

[0058] (V) Real-time debugging and simulation examples

[0059] When developers need to debug a section of code, they set breakpoints in the development environment. For example, set a breakpoint at the gpio_set_level(GPIO_PIN_X,GPIO_LEVEL_HIGH); statement in the above GPIO control code. Then, through the debug menu of the development environment, select "Start Debugging", the program will run on the hardware platform and pause at the breakpoint. At this point, developers can view the value of the variable GPIO_PIN_X, observe the execution flow of the program, execute the code step by step, etc., to find problems in the code.

[0060] If the developer does not have actual hardware equipment, or needs to verify functions in the early development stage, the hardware simulation function can be used. Select "Start Simulation" in the development environment, and the system will start a simulation environment based on QEMU (QuickEmulator) to simulate the operation of the embedded hardware platform. Developers can load the code into the simulation environment to run, and can also set breakpoints, view variables, etc. for debugging. For example, in the simulation environment, you can simulate the level changes of the GPIO pins to observe whether the program's running results meet expectations.

[0061] (VI) Automated testing and performance analysis examples

[0062] Developers write test cases for the above GPIO control code, such as Figure 3 As shown, unity.h is the header file of the automated test framework integrated in the present invention, and TEST_ASSERT_EQUAL is the assertion function provided by the test framework, which is used to verify whether the actual result is consistent with the expected result.

[0063] In the development environment, select "Run Test Case" from the menu, and the automated test framework will automatically compile and execute the test case and generate a test report. The report will display information such as the test case execution results and test coverage. If the test case fails, a specific error message will be displayed to help developers quickly locate the problem.

[0064] To analyze the performance of the code, developers can start the performance analysis tool in the development environment. For example, during the execution of the above GPIO control code, the performance analysis tool will monitor the CPU usage, memory usage and other indicators in real time and display them in the form of charts. Based on the performance analysis results, developers can find performance bottlenecks in the code, such as a function execution time is too long, unreasonable memory allocation, etc., and then optimize the code in a targeted manner.

[0065] (VII) Code Optimization Strategy Examples

[0066] For memory optimization, suppose that in an embedded system, memory resources are very limited. The developer defines a large global array in the code, such as intdata

[1024] . Through the code analysis tool, it is found that the array occupies a lot of memory space, but in fact, not all array elements are used during program execution. The developer can use dynamic memory allocation to allocate memory according to actual needs, such as Figure 4 As shown in the figure, needed_size is the array size calculated based on the actual needs of the program when it is running. This can avoid unnecessary memory waste and improve memory utilization.

[0067] When optimizing code execution time, suppose there is a loop in the code to calculate the average value of a set of data. The original code is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, in order to improve the execution speed, the loop unrolling optimization technology can be used to unroll the loop to a fixed number of times, for example, 4 times, as shown in Figure 6 As shown, this can reduce the number of loop iterations and improve the execution efficiency of the code.

[0068] (VIII) Code deployment and update examples

[0069] After completing the development and optimization of the code, the developer needs to deploy the code to the embedded hardware platform. First, select "Generate Executable File" in the development environment. The system will use the compiler to generate executable files and related configuration files based on the project settings and hardware platform configuration.

[0070] Then, connect the hardware device to the computer via USB, select "Deploy to Device" in the development environment, and the system will automatically transfer the executable file and configuration file to the specified storage area of ​​the hardware device (such as Flash memory). After the transfer is completed, the hardware device will automatically restart and run the new program.

[0071] When it is necessary to remotely update the code of an embedded system, the developer sets the address and related parameters of the remote update server in the development environment. Then, the new code version is uploaded to the server. During operation, the embedded device will periodically check whether there is a new code update on the server. If there is an update, the device will automatically download the new code and update it at the appropriate time (such as when the system is idle). The update process will not affect the normal operation of the device, achieving seamless update.

[0072] Meanwhile, the contents not described in detail in this specification belong to the prior art known to those skilled in the art.

[0073] It should be noted that, in this article, relational terms such as first and second, etc. are only used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "include", "comprise" or any other variants thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, so that a process, method, article or device including a series of elements includes not only those elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also includes elements inherent to such process, method, article or device.

[0074] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations may be made to the embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, and that the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A C language development method based on an embedded development environment, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step 1: Automatic hardware platform adaptation: When the development environment is started, it automatically detects the connected embedded hardware, identifies its model and chip architecture, and loads the corresponding driver, compiler, debugger plug-in and hardware abstraction layer interface according to its characteristics; Step 2: Integrated optimization: Integrate C language development tools such as editors and compilers into a unified environment, optimize compiler options according to embedded system resource constraints, and use code analysis tools to check errors and provide prompts in real time; Step 3: Provide code template library functions: Provide C language code templates covering GPIO operation function modules to build a portable and compatible embedded C language library function library; Step 4: Code version control management: Integrate the Git version control system to facilitate developers to submit code changes, record versions and modifications, avoid conflicts, and ensure code consistency and integrity; Step 5: Code component reuse storage: allows developers to encapsulate commonly used code modules or functions into reusable components and store them in the code library, which can be directly retrieved and imported in new projects; Step 6. Real-time debugging: Use the debugger to achieve real-time interaction with the embedded hardware platform program, supporting breakpoint setting, variable viewing, and single-step execution; Step 7: Automated testing and performance analysis: Introduce an automated testing framework, write and automatically execute test cases, generate reports containing test coverage and results to find defects, and use performance analysis tools to monitor CPU and memory data; Step 8. Optimize deployment: Optimize the code using memory and execution time optimization strategies based on embedded system resources and performance requirements, and deploy the compiled executable files and configuration files to the hardware platform via USB or the network.

2. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step 1, the corresponding driver and configuration file are automatically loaded according to the characteristics of the hardware platform to ensure seamless connection between the development environment and the hardware platform.

3. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the step 2, the appropriate optimization level is automatically selected according to the resource limitation of the embedded system, so as to improve the compilation efficiency and the execution efficiency of the generated code while ensuring the code quality. Meanwhile, the integrated code analysis tool can detect potential problems in the code in real time.

4. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step five, a code reuse mechanism is established, and developers can encapsulate commonly used code modules or functions into reusable components and store them in a code library.

5. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step six also supports hardware simulation function. In the absence of actual hardware devices, developers can use the simulator to simulate the operating environment of the embedded system to perform code debugging and function verification.

6. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step 7 also provides a performance analysis tool that can monitor and analyze the program's running performance in real time.

7. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step eight, for systems with limited memory, memory optimization technology is used to reduce the memory usage of the program. For systems with high real-time requirements, code execution time is optimized, and the execution speed of the program is improved through algorithm optimization and loop unrolling technology.

8. The C language development method based on an embedded development environment according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step eight also supports a remote code update function. When the embedded system needs to update the software, the developer transmits the new code version to the device through the network without manually disassembling the device or re-burning the firmware.

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