Embedded C Fundamentals

Fundamental C concepts, memory model, pointers, data structures, and embedded programming examples.

Overview

This repository contains notes, explanations, and runnable examples covering fundamental concepts of the C programming language commonly encountered in embedded software development.

The goal is not to teach C from scratch.

Instead, the focus is on understanding how things work under the hood and revisiting language features that are often hidden behind modern C++ abstractions.

Topics are explored through small, self-contained examples that can be compiled, executed, modified, and studied.

Topics

Planned topics include:

Memory layout
Variables and storage duration
Pointers
Arrays
Strings
Structures
Dynamic memory allocation
Function pointers
Linked lists
Bit manipulation
Volatile
Const correctness
Undefined behaviour
Memory-mapped I/O concepts
Common embedded programming patterns
Common interview questions

Repository Structure

examples/
notes/
diagrams/
interview_questions/

The structure may evolve as additional material is added.

Philosophy

Understanding C is not about memorizing syntax.

It is about understanding:

where data is stored
who owns memory
how pointers behave
what the compiler is allowed to do
where undefined behaviour begins

Every topic should be supported by practical examples whenever possible.

Intended Audience

This repository may be useful for:

Embedded software engineers
Firmware developers
C++ developers refreshing C fundamentals
Engineers preparing for technical interviews
Students interested in low-level programming

Building Examples

Examples are intended to be compiled using standard toolchains available on Linux systems.

Example:

gcc example.c -o example
./example

Individual examples may provide additional build instructions.

License

MIT License

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