Python versus C for Embedded Development

mlnews

Is Python a good alternative to C and C++ for programming embedded systems?

travisdh1

Interpreted language for embedded? Most embedded processors can't even run it!

thwr

How much I live such undifferentiated statements... It all depends on the use case. Just quick-scanned the article, but what are we talking about here? Linux on a multi-core ARM? Sure, use Python.

Single-threaded uC's? I would love to see your project manager laughing hard at you because you need to add alot of flash just to hold the interpreter. On the other hand, it is possible (if not done already) to implement some compiler for Python to generate native "binaries". But is that really the field where Python plays? Shifting bits, working with arrays, talking to bus systems? What about predictability? There are lots of well known and field-tested compilers that will do their job in a predictable way. A Python compiler may need years to even come close to such a result.

IMHO: Stay with C. I've worked with a lot of different embedded stuff during the last 20 years: 8bit uC's, PICs running BASIC (e.g. compiled from BASIC) up to JavaCard smartcards. At the end of the day, it's just syntax. But Python? Thanks, no.

scottalanmiller

@travisdh1 said in Python versus C for Embedded Development:

Interpreted language for embedded? Most embedded processors can't even run it!

What embedded processor can't run Python?

travisdh1

@scottalanmiller said in Python versus C for Embedded Development:

@travisdh1 said in Python versus C for Embedded Development:

Interpreted language for embedded? Most embedded processors can't even run it!

What embedded processor can't run Python?

Atmega328 (ie Arduino) and PIC off the top of my head.

scottalanmiller

@travisdh1 said in Python versus C for Embedded Development:

@scottalanmiller said in Python versus C for Embedded Development:

@travisdh1 said in Python versus C for Embedded Development:

Interpreted language for embedded? Most embedded processors can't even run it!

What embedded processor can't run Python?

Atmega328 (ie Arduino) and PIC off the top of my head.

PyMite doesn't run there? I thought that it did.

https://code.google.com/archive/p/python-on-a-chip/