1. What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of C Language and Assembly Language in Microcontroller Development?
Answer: Assembly language is a symbolic language that uses mnemonic characters to represent machine instructions, making it the closest language to machine code. Its main advantages are low resource usage and high program execution efficiency. However, the assembly language can vary between different CPUs, making it less portable. C language is a structured high-level language. Its advantages include good readability and easy portability, making it a widely used programming language. The disadvantages are higher resource consumption and lower execution efficiency compared to assembly. For the commonly used RISC architecture 8-bit MCUs, the internal ROM, RAM, STACK, and other resources are limited. If C language is used, a single C instruction may compile into many machine codes, leading to issues like insufficient ROM space and stack overflow. Additionally, some microcontroller manufacturers may not provide a C compiler. In contrast, in assembly language, one instruction corresponds to one machine code, making each action clear, and it is easier to control program size and stack usage, making debugging more convenient. Therefore, we recommend using assembly language for microcontroller development. If you are interested in using C language for microcontrollers, HOLTEK provides a C compiler that can be downloaded for free from their website.2. Can C++ be used for microcontroller development, given that C or assembly language can? Answer: In microcontroller development, primarily assembly and C are used, and C++ is not commonly utilized.3. Is it necessary to know C for microcontroller development? Answer: Assembly language is a symbolic language that uses mnemonic characters to represent machine instructions, making it the closest language to machine code. Its main advantages are low resource usage and high program execution efficiency. However, the assembly language can vary between different CPUs, making it less portable. For the commonly used RISC architecture 8-bit MCUs, the internal ROM, RAM, STACK, and other resources are limited. If C language is used, a single C instruction may compile into many machine codes, leading to issues like insufficient ROM space and stack overflow. Additionally, some microcontroller manufacturers may not provide a C compiler. In contrast, in assembly language, one instruction corresponds to one machine code, making each action clear, and it is easier to control program size and stack usage, making debugging more convenient. Therefore, we recommend using assembly language for resource-limited microcontroller development. C language is a compiled programming language that incorporates features from various high-level languages while also having the capabilities of assembly language. C language has rich library functions, fast execution speed, high compilation efficiency, and good portability, allowing direct control of system hardware. C language is a structured programming language that supports the top-down structured programming techniques widely adopted in current programming. Furthermore, C language programs have a well-defined modular structure, providing strong support for modular programming methods in software development. Thus, using C language for programming has become a mainstream approach in software development. Writing system software in C language significantly shortens the development cycle and greatly enhances software readability, making it easier to improve and expand, resulting in larger and more complete systems. In summary, using C language for microcontroller programming is an inevitable trend in microcontroller development and application. Therefore, it is advisable for a microcontroller developer, who is involved in large-scale software system development, to master basic C programming skills.4. When developing a complex project with a short development time, is it better to use C or assembly language? Answer: For complex projects with tight development timelines, C language can be used, provided that the developer is very familiar with the MCU system’s C language and C compiler, particularly the data types and algorithms supported by the C compiler. Although C language is the most commonly used high-level language, different MCU manufacturers have different C language compiler systems, especially in the operation of special function modules. If these features are not well understood, debugging can become troublesome, and it might end up being faster to use assembly.5. Where can I find textbooks or materials on 8088 and 196 microcontroller courses? Answer: A commonly used textbook on this topic in universities is “IBM-PC Assembly Language Programming” published by Tsinghua University Press, which can be found online and in bookstores. Additionally, many other materials can be searched online, such as “Microcomputer Principles and Assembly Language Tutorial” (edited by Yang Yanshuang, Zhang Xiaodong, etc.) and “16/32 Bit Microcomputer Principles, Assembly Language, and Interface Technology” (authors: Zhong Xiaojie, Chen Tao, published by Machinery Industry Press), which can be checked in large technology bookstores or ordered online.6. Should beginners learn C or assembly first? Answer: For beginners in microcontroller programming, it is recommended to start with assembly language. Assembly language is the closest language to machine code, which helps deepen beginners’ understanding of various functional modules of microcontrollers, thereby laying a solid foundation.7. I am a third-year student at Wuhan University majoring in electronic science and technology. I have learned electronic circuits, digital logic, assembly language and interfaces, and C language, but I always feel confused and think I don’t know anything. What should I do? Answer: The university experience is primarily theoretical, with few practical opportunities, often leading to a disconnect between theory and practice, which is a common issue in the domestic university education system. However, students should not aim too high. Generally, from the third year, students begin to encounter professional courses, and electronic-related majors will offer microcontroller application courses with simple experimental projects. Therefore, it is essential to seize the opportunity of experimental classes and engage in hands-on practice. Regularly reading relevant electronic technology magazines and websites to learn from others’ development experiences, hardware design solutions, and software design experiences can be beneficial. If possible, participating in electronic design competitions and collaborating with 2-3 people to create a complete system can be very helpful. During the senior year design phase, students can also choose related topics to work on practical cases to gain experience. Gaining experience is a gradual process, and one should proceed step by step.8. How can students learn microcontrollers well? Answer: To learn microcontrollers well, practice is essential for gaining experience. For students, practical opportunities may be limited, but if possible, choosing related topics for graduation internships allows exposure to actual projects. Additionally, if microcontroller principles are a core course, schools typically arrange numerous practical opportunities. If capable, students can seek related part-time work to gain more experience. Furthermore, microcontroller development requires a combination of hardware and software, so it is not enough to focus solely on perfecting programming skills; students should also accumulate hardware knowledge. They can visit electronic forums, buy relevant magazines, and purchase small components at electronic markets to build small systems and make them operational. HOLTEK’s microcontroller is an 8-bit microcontroller based on RISC architecture, widely used in home appliances, security systems, handheld games, and more. Generally, it can be categorized into I/O type microcontrollers, LCD type microcontrollers, A/D type microcontrollers, A/D with LCD type microcontrollers, etc.9. How can I become an expert in microcontrollers? Answer: To become an expert in microcontrollers, one should practice frequently and keep up with the development trends in microcontrollers. Regularly visiting relevant websites can provide many useful resources.10. How long can 8-bit microcontrollers continue to exist? Answer: Currently, the main products in the MCU market are still in the 8-bit domain, primarily used in automotive applications, consumer electronics, computers and PC peripherals, telecommunications, office automation, and industrial control, among six major markets. The automotive market is predominantly in Europe and America, while the Asia-Pacific region focuses on consumer electronics, with large quantities and low unit prices being the mainstream products. There is still a considerable price difference between 16-bit and 8-bit MCUs, and new application areas are still being developed. The industry expects that at least until 2005, 8-bit MCUs will remain the mainstream products in the MCU market.