The Embedded Systems Primer: A Hands-on Introduction to Microcontrollers, C/C++, and Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS)

Unlock the world of embedded systems with this practical, beginner-friendly guide that bridges the gap between hardware and software. Whether you're a student, hobbyist, or aspiring embedded developer, The Embedded Systems Primer is your fast-track to mastering the core concepts behind the microcontrollers that power modern technology.

This hands-on book walks you through building real embedded projects using C/C++ while introducing key principles like GPIO, interrupts, timers, and memory-mapped I/O. You’ll learn how to write efficient, reliable code that runs close to the metal—and how to leverage Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS) to manage concurrency and timing in complex systems.

Inside, you’ll learn: The architecture and inner workings of popular microcontrollers (ARM Cortex-M, AVR, etc.)

How to program microcontrollers using C and C++ for real-world applications

Setting up and using development environments like STM32CubeIDE, MPLAB, and Arduino IDE

Core embedded concepts like registers, interrupts, I/O peripherals, timers, and PWM

Building responsive and deterministic systems using an RTOS like FreeRTOS

Best practices for debugging, power optimization, and writing maintainable embedded code

Ideal for: Students in electrical/computer engineering or computer science

Hobbyists transitioning from Arduino to more advanced embedded development

Software developers exploring low-level, real-time systems

Anyone curious about how the devices around us really work

No prior experience with embedded systems required—just basic programming knowledge and curiosity. With clear explanations, project-based learning, and step-by-step examples, The Embedded Systems Primer gives you the confidence and skillset to start building embedded systems from day one.