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In Rust, memory is managed through a system of ownership with a set of rules instead of references that the compiler checks at compile time. The ownership rules are:
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Many people know C++ since it is essentially an extension of the C language. C++ compromises a combination of both high-level and low-level language features. Being one of the most popular programming languages, C++ is basically used in every single application domain, and it offers programmers the freedom to write device drivers and other software that rely on direct manipulation of hardware under real-time constraints. With that being said, let’s take a look at C++ 's usage in embedded/low level environments.
C++ With FreeRTOS:
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in an Embedded/Low Level Environment:
To start off, anything that can be done in C, C++ can also do, as previously stated, C++ is basically a superset of C. For example, in FreeROTS, FreeRTOS can work with or work alongside a C++ embedded application. All of the FreeRTOS headers are wrapped in extern "C" {}blocks to ensure correct linkage in a C++ application. Therefore, it is quite easy to get FreeRTOS to work with C++. Moreover, C++'s addition of OOP provides overloaded functions and constructors which can be considered an asset for embedded systems programming.
C++ Drawbacks
The stack memory can be an issue since it is possible that too much of it is used. An existing solution is to avoid recursive functions and stick to iterative implementations. Dynamic allocation is also rarely used due to real-time allocation delays. Not only that, after several memory deallocations, fragments may take up much of the memory. C++ is not as widely used as C when it comes to embedded systems, and C++'s exception and Run Time Type Information would need to be explicitly disabled at compile time to reduce the execution time and memory usage. However, C++ can not be coded in a C compiler, but C can be coded in a C++ compiler.
C++ Benefits
For large projects, C++'s ability to create custom namespaces and templates are excellent features to organize such large projects. Similarly, the benefit of having a lot of freedom to control the hardware directly without sacrificing too many resources is one of the key features of C++. This is under the condition that the code is optimized which it should always strive to be. The data structure offered in C++ allows the user to write organized and clean code. Furthermore, one of the main benefits of C++ is that it is efficient, the fact that the code is compiled with GCC allows it to be executed and run at a relatively fast speed. Another benefit is that C++ is more widely used and known, so most people already have a base understanding of this language, making it easier for people to transition into this language.
Conclusion
In the end, it is clear that Rust offers some unique benefits over C/C++ when it comes to embedded systems. But the investment into learning a new language and becoming proficient in it needs to be thoroughly considered before shifting fully to Rust from C. On the other hand, C++ is a lot easier to transition into and not only does it offer what C grants, but it also allows better organization of the code. The more extended data types, object-oriented programming, bottom up and the high level features makes C++ a better option over Rust and surely can be used along side C in an embedded system.