Embedded Software

[MMock]

What can anyone tell me regarding what it's like to develop embedded software? What is the development environment? How is the software tested? How do you embed it? If I've mostly worked in business applications (vs. scientific or engineering) but know languages like C and love getting close to the computer hardware, how big of a gap is it between that and what I've been doing?

Thanks.

[namrekka]

Well the gap can be big. In most micro's you have to handle bits and bytes efficient to save memory. You have to think carefully about every variable type and how to use it.
The development environment can be different for each brand of micro. The most brands do have some sort of IDE for on a PC. In that software you can use an emulator to test your code. Just as in VS you can step trough your code. Most of the brands also have incircuit emulators. That is a piece of hardware replacing the micro in the circuit. This is connected to your PC and the IDE. You can step trough your code and test the hardware.
Most of the simple micro's are programmed in assembly very efficient. Larger ones can be programmed in C.
The question always is what micro do I have to use for a certain application:
8 bits, 16 bits, I/O's, speed, etc. Perhaps a DSP
Most brands do have a complete product line of micro's and development tools like: Atmel (AVR), Microchip (PIC), Texas Intruments (TMS) etc.
What kind of application are you thinking of?

[MMock]

...What kind of application are you thinking of?

Avionics.

Thank you, namrekka. Actually, your response interests me rather than intimidates me. I guess it's up to the company if they want to bring me in entry-level and if I can accept what will probably be lower compensation than I am earning now.

I very much dislike my job and this other company is where my husband has been working for about 20 years cumulative. We had a friend over for dinner recently who also works there and when I was vocalizing about my job dissatisfaction they were discussing if there was anything for me where they work. Of course the company "ideally" wants someone with experience.

[namrekka]

Hmmm......
Programming is just a way of thinking. The language is not so important. However using micro's asks some knowledge of electronics. In most companies an electronic designer is responsble for the hardware. And you for the software running in the micro. Some sort of "leveling" between you and him can sort out many things.