11. Development Tools

The culminating point in embedded system design is the installation of correct, reliable, and safe software on the target system. To use a well-known cliché, this is easier said than done. Even assuming that system specifications are clear, precise, and agreed, many problems still have to be overcome. The final design and development phase can (no – will!) be one of graft, perspiration, and frustration. Any help at this stage is gratefully received. The early designers of microprocessor systems soon realized that existing instruments were inadequate. As a result, many tools have been developed over the years specifically to ease this task. Such developments have been driven by the needs and demands of the user.

During this time, microprocessor software has become increasingly more complex. This complexity is mirrored by the facilities of the development support tools. Not surprisingly, the variety and features of such tools can easily confuse...