Selecting the Right Tools
The Cortex-M development tool ecosystem offers a wide variety of options for software developers. In the previous chapter, we spent time reviewing specific software development kits (SDKs), some of which contain development tools. In this chapter, we will look specifically into Cortex-M software development tools. The ultimate end goal for most microcontroller projects is to deliver high-quality, secure software applications, optimized for variables such as performance, power, or cost. Selecting helpful development tools is essential in reaching this final state.
Similar to the first two chapters, this chapter is intended as an overview of which tools are available to Cortex-M software developers. The benefits and drawbacks of different tools are presented for you to make an educated selection about the right set of tools for your specific project.
We start by first explaining the options available to run Cortex-M software during the development process...