Is a Mac Suitable for Embedded Development?

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Author | strongerHuang

WeChat Public Account | strongerHuang

With the “popularity” of Apple phones and computers, many friends around have started using Apple computers, so some friends ask: Is a Mac suitable for embedded development?

My answer is: No!

As for why, just observe your colleagues (classmates or friends) who are doing embedded software and hardware development, and you will find a phenomenon: very few people use macOS for embedded development.

Reason 1: Many software does not support macOS

Have you ever had this doubt: Does Keil support macOS?

Believe many people have this doubt, including me in the early days. As my knowledge expanded, I found that many software in the embedded field actually do not support macOS.

Here are a few common software in our field that do not support macOS.

1.Keil

This refers to the entire series of Keil products, including Keil C51, MDK, C251, C166.

(Keil system requirements) Official address:

https://www2.keil.com/system-requirements/

The official requirement for the latest version of the software is to run on at least Win8 and above. Of course, Win7 can also be installed and run, but some features may have compatibility issues (the latest version of the software does not support XP, but it seems that KeilMDKV5.18 or 20 can run).

2.IAR

IAR is similar to the entire series of Keil products, including many IAR products, such as: IAR EWARM, EWSTM8, EWMSP430, EWAVR, EW8051··· etc.

For example, EWARM V9.50.1 (latest version) system requirements:

3.Source Insight

Source Insight is also a commonly used editor tool for embedded software engineers, but it is a software that only supports Windows and does not support macOS.

(Source Insight system requirements) Official address:

https://www.sourceinsight.com/

4.Altium Designer

Another hardware software, Altium Designer, is also a software that only supports Windows and does not support macOS.

(AD system requirements) Official address:

https://www.altium.com/cn/documentation/altium-designer/system-requirements

The latest version of AD software has relatively high system requirements, not only does it only support Windows, but it also requires 64-bit and has graphics card requirements, which should be used during 3D rendering.

5.More

There are many classic and commonly used software tools, such as: STC-ISP download burning software, STM32 ST-LINKUtilit, etc. (There are many more, everyone can leave a message to supplement at the end).

Reason 2: Ecology, Compatibility, and Openness

It is undeniable that the macOS system is excellent, but macOS cannot exert its advantages in the embedded field.

In fact, not only in the embedded field, there are many fields that are not suitable for macOS, such as: mechanical manufacturing, electrical automation, gaming, etc. (You rarely see anyone buying a Mac to play games, right?)

Ecology, Compatibility, and Openness

Because the Windows system became popular earlier, many embedded development tools and resources are relatively dependent on the Windows system, which leads to a better ecology for embedded development on Windows.

You will find that many small tools for embedded development basically only have Windows versions, and individual developers can write some Windows version small tools. (For example: serial port, network debugging tools, CAN, I2C analyzers, etc.).

Again, the resources (materials) in the Windows environment are richer, and you can quickly find answers or solutions to related problems.

The reason Windows is more suitable for embedded development than macOS is due to the ecology, compatibility, and openness of the Windows system.

Reason 3: Mac computers are expensive

The reasons mentioned above may not be the main reasons.The main reason may still be that Mac computers are expensive

Is a Mac Suitable for Embedded Development?

Mac computers are expensive, and the number of users is relatively small, which naturally leads to an imperfect embedded development ecosystem, and the supporting tools are not good, making DIY or small tools less developed on macOS.

After saying so much, some may argue: Can’t macOS be used with virtual machines, or can Mac computers also run Windows?

Indeed, macOS can also be used for embedded development, but it cannot exert its advantages and may cause unnecessary “trouble”.

I often say that what is suitable for oneself is the best. Some people say Keil is difficult to use, while others say Keil is very easy to use. Who do you think is right?

In the end, my Mac computer has been collecting dust for years. If you don’t mind the cost or the trouble, feel free to buy a Mac to do embedded development, and then share your pit experience with everyone.

———— END ————

●Column “Embedded Tools”

●Column “Embedded Development”

●Column “Keil Tutorial”

●Selected Tutorials in the Embedded Column

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