Interacting with the target

For development purposes, embedded platforms are usually accessed through a JTAG or an SWD interface. Through these communication channels, it is possible to upload the software onto the flash of the target and access the on-chip debug functionality. Several self-contained JTAG/SWD adapters on the market can be controlled through a USB from the host, while some development boards are equipped with an extra chip controlling the JTAG channel that connects to the host through a USB.

A powerful generic open source tool to access JTAG/SWD functionalities on the target is the Open On-Chip Debugger (OpenOCD). Once properly configured, it creates local sockets that can be used as a command console and for interaction with the debugger frontend. Some development boards are distributed with additional interfaces to communicate with the core CPU. For example, STMicroelectronics prototyping boards for Cortex-M are rarely shipped without a chip technology called ST...