Course code: ZEBRA-3
  • Years with company: 4 yrs 8 months
  • Years programming: 20+
  • Primary programming language: C/C++
  • Other programming languages: C#, Visual C++, JAVA
  • Unit test harnesses: None
  • Something else: I have been working in embedded software systems development for about 28 years. Sixteen of those 28 years in a Lead, Managerial, Software Architect or System Software engineering role. I have worked for about 10 different companies in multiple industries from industrial controllers using PLC technology, to bar code scanners, mobile computing devices, robotics and avionics.
  • Test practice now: If hardware is unavailable I create unit test stubs in Visual Studio to simulate I/O and write the actual embedded code in visual studio. When hardware becomes available I port it to the target embedded platform. On the target platform I do further testing in a JTAG or BDM debugger or emulator. I have used CppUTest as well.
  • Target system: ARM RISC processors
  • Dev tools: Multi IDE and Visual Studio 2013
  • Build time: 5-30 minutes
  • Coding standard: In house C coding standard
  • Function too long: More than 25 lines or 200 lines with case statements
  • Code reviews: Use Code Collaborator
  • Code time: 10%
  • Test time: 20%
  • Debug time: 15%
  • Favorite thing about dev: Software systems get very complex very quickly. Developing requirements, and algorithms to solve problems with embedded software and then implementing them is quite challenging. The day goes by very quickly.
  • Least favorite thing about dev: I never seem to be given enough time to develop embedded software correctly. There is always code I would love to re-factor if I was just given a little more time.
  • Tdd knowledge: I have been practicing a form of Test Driven Development for almost 20 years now in one form or another. I have never been formerly trained in it.
  • Why are you attending: It is on my performance review for my goals this year. Also I am very interested in being formerly trained in this methodology even though I have been practicing it for 20 years. I think I will learn new things.