Difference Between C and Embedded C | C VS Embedded C
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: September 25th, 2023
The main difference between C and embedded C is that general-purpose, high-level programming language C is appropriate for creating a wide range of programmes, such as operating systems, hardware drivers, databases, etc. However, embedded C is a development of C. It is used specifically in the creation of embedded systems.
Difference Between C and Embedded C PDF
The difference between C and embedded C is that C creates general-purpose applications whereas Embedded C creates embedded systems. Here, we have provided a brief introduction about C, embedded C, along with the difference between C and embedded C discussed in the upcoming sections.
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Difference Between C and Embedded C
Structured programming is possible with the general-purpose programming language C. However, Embedded C is a collection of language extensions for the C programming language created to address difficulties of similarity between C extensions for various embedded devices. The difference between C and embedded C is given in the table below.
Difference Between C and Embedded C |
|
C |
Embedded C |
It is a general-purpose, structured programming language that programmers use to create desktop applications. |
Embedded C uses application development for microcontrollers. |
It is a high level language. |
It is an extension of C. |
Programs written in C are completely hardware independent. |
Embedded C is totally dependent on hardware. |
The operating system is created by C language compilers and is dependent on executable files in order to function. |
The hardware-dependent files that must be uploaded in the microcontroller are produced by embedded C language compilers. Additionally, turn on the devices to verify whether a code is functioning or not. |
Standard compilers help to compile and execute the program. |
Embedded C requires specific compilers. |
The OS impacts the C language compilers. |
The embedded C compilers are OS independent. |
The programme in C is executed using conventional or standard compilers. |
In embedded C, we require a particular compiler that can assist in producing results based on microcontrollers. |
What is C Language?
A general-purpose programming language called C is frequently employed to create all different kinds of desktop-based apps. Dennis Ritchie created it as a system programming language for the creation of the operating system. Low-level memory access, a small collection of keywords, and a clean style are the fundamental characteristics of the C programming language, which makes it appropriate for system programming like OS or compiler development.
C is a computer language that uses a compiler. It operates more quickly as a result. The entire source code is converted at once by the C compiler into the equivalent machine code. The CPU can do the task specified in the source code because it can understand this machine code.
What is Embedded C?
A system that is capable of carrying out one or more functionalities is called an embedded system. Additionally, this type of system has both mechanical and electrical components. A microcontroller is used in every embedded system to manage and regulate the functionality. A C language extension that aids in the creation of embedded systems is called embedded C. In other words, programming microcontroller-based devices is helpful.
Key Difference Between C and Embedded C
The key difference between C and embedded C is given below.
- C is typically used for desktop computers, whereas embedded C is utilised for applications based on microcontrollers.
- C is able to utilise a desktop computer’s RAM, operating system, etc. While using the restricted RAM, ROM, and I/Os on an embedded processor, embedded C must.
- Embedded C has some ectra features like fixed point types, multiple memory spaces, and I/O register mapping.
- On a desktop computer, C has free-format programme source code. whereas the format of embedded C varies depending on the embedded processor (micro-controllers/ microprocessors).
- C (ANSI C) compilers often produce executables that depend on the OS. Compilers must produce files for download to the microcontrollers or microprocessors where embedded C is to be used.