There are other major differences: each embedded program normally runs on proprietary, dedicated hardware and must often be designed to make the hardware as cheap as possible to implement. Another difference; the processors are usually 8-bit or 16-bit to save money and though there is always some ROM there may be no RAM if enough registers are available.

Michael Barr's introduction sets the scene well to this intriguing subject, after which it's straight into programming embedded systems using Intel's 16-bit 80188EB processor on a Target1888EB board as an example hardware platform using C++--the de facto high level development language--for embedded systems--and assembler for the programs.

Barr clearly finds the subject matter both interesting and absorbing, which comes across well in his writing. The examples are lucid and easy to follow and the way in which he progresses the subject builds upon previously introduced material.

At 160 or so pages this is a remarkably readable book, so enjoy it from cover to cover before trying your hand with real kit. Once you've taken the concepts introduced in Programming Embedded Systems to heart you'll be working with far less readable manufacturer's data sheets. --Steve Patient