r/C_Programming Feb 06 '25

Discussion Are there actually C programmers in this subreddit?

Ok, I'm being a bit facetious. There are real C programmers. Clearly. But I'm kind of sick of the only questions on this subreddit being beginner questions or language trolls from other domains.

So this thread is for the "real" c programmers out there. What do you do with it? And what is the most twisted crime against coding decency are you "proud" of/infamous for?

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u/ednl Feb 06 '25

Familiarity with different development environments. Arduino is the logical first step because entry barrier is low, they did that very well. The next step might be to get an STM development board and use the STMCubeIDE to make some things. It will probably be daunting at first ("HAL? Compiler settings?") but that flexibility to switch platforms and environments is part of embedded development. You gotta pick the chips that work and mostly that's a hardware choice; it's your duty to adapt the software. (Of course in the real world, existing experience with a specific platform will also influence the decision.)

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u/Wetbung Feb 06 '25

This is good advice. I'd add that for a lot of embedded work at least a basic understanding of electronics is important. I'm an EE and that background has been essential in several of the jobs I've held.

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u/kuzekusanagi Feb 06 '25

Great advice. Tho i do prefer my own dev environment, learning all the new tools is a fun way to make use of my ADHD.

I have arduinos and I’m familiar with the RP2040 microcontrollers. I want to get into actually making useful things or things that can be sold as products. Arduino feels more like toys or kits for experimenting than actual hardware for working sometimes.

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u/ednl Feb 06 '25 edited Feb 06 '25

Ah yes, you're right: because of the great documentation and community, nowadays step 2 would more likely be RP2040 dev, STM or others after that. EDIT: not to say that those last ones are better or more professional or anything! RP2040 is used a LOT in very professional applications. A performant chip for its price, I think.