Rediscovering Forth: A Superior Choice for Embedded Systems Development

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, embedded systems development remains a critical area where efficiency, reliability, and performance are paramount. For engineers in their 20s and 30s, languages like C, C++, and Python might be the default choices due to their widespread use and extensive libraries. However, there is a niche language, beloved by seasoned engineers, that offers unique advantages for embedded systems: Forth. Here’s why Forth deserves a closer look as a better choice for embedded systems development.

Efficiency and Performance

Embedded systems often operate under stringent constraints in terms of memory and processing power. Forth excels in this environment due to its compact and efficient nature. Unlike higher-level languages that may introduce overhead, Forth allows direct manipulation of hardware with minimal abstraction, leading to faster and more predictable performance.

Forth’s ability to compile directly to machine code or work as an interpreter without the need for a large runtime environment means it can run efficiently on hardware with limited resources. This efficiency translates to longer battery life and better performance, critical factors in embedded systems.

Interactive Development and Debugging

One of Forth's standout features is its interactive development environment. Forth operates as both a compiler and an interpreter, allowing developers to interact with the hardware in real-time. This interactive nature means you can test and debug code on the fly without lengthy compile cycles, significantly speeding up the development process.

For embedded systems, where direct hardware interaction is often necessary, Forth’s interactive capabilities enable quick testing and troubleshooting of hardware components, making it easier to identify and resolve issues early in the development cycle.

Simplicity and Conciseness

Forth’s syntax is minimalistic and its programming paradigm straightforward, which leads to highly readable and maintainable code. Its stack-based architecture may seem unusual at first, but it promotes a clean and modular approach to coding. Each word (Forth’s term for a function or procedure) is typically very small, often just a few lines of code, making it easy to understand and modify.

In embedded systems, where clarity and maintainability of code are crucial due to potential updates and maintenance years down the line, Forth’s simplicity can be a significant advantage. Small, concise programs are easier to audit for bugs and security vulnerabilities, a critical consideration in embedded development.

Customizability and Extensibility

Forth is inherently extensible. Developers can easily define new words and build complex operations from simpler ones, tailoring the language to the specific needs of their project. This flexibility allows for creating highly optimized routines that are precisely tuned to the hardware’s capabilities and the application's requirements.

For embedded systems, where custom solutions often provide significant benefits over generic ones, Forth’s ability to adapt to the specific demands of the hardware and application can result in more efficient and effective implementations.

Proven Track Record

While Forth might seem like an esoteric choice, it has a proven track record in various critical applications, including space missions (NASA’s Galileo probe) and industrial automation. Its robustness and reliability have been demonstrated in environments where failure is not an option.

Learning Curve and Community

For younger engineers, the learning curve associated with Forth might be a consideration. However, the investment in learning Forth pays off by providing a deeper understanding of how software interacts with hardware. This knowledge can be invaluable, not just for embedded systems, but for a broader range of computing tasks.

While Forth’s community might be smaller compared to mainstream languages, it is filled with...

Scamp vs Arduino - which is right for your project?

In the ever-evolving landscape of embedded systems and microcontrollers, Arduino has captured the attention of both seasoned engineers and aspiring innovators. But is it necessarily the best for you? Scamp, the brainchild of John Catsoulis, a distinguished figure in the field of embedded systems, has made waves with an innovative design and FlashForth compatibility. The ability to interactively debug hardware and test snippets of code gives it Python-like usability, but with the execution efficiency of hand-crafted machine code. On the other hand, Arduino, a household name among electronics enthusiasts, boasts a versatile ecosystem of boards and a conventional IDE. In this article, I delve into a comparison of Scamp and Arduino, exploring their features, capabilities, and the unique advantages they bring to the world of embedded hardware and software development. Whether you're a seasoned professional or a novice just stepping into the realm of microcontrollers, this analysis will help you navigate the choice between these two platforms.

Processing Power:

The Scamp, being based on the PIC24 microcontroller, offers more processing power and memory compared to typical Arduino boards. This makes it suitable for more computationally intensive tasks.

Capability: Scamp has extensive I/O capabilities and peripherals, and offers more versatility than an Arduino. The onboard features of a Scamp surpass what is available on a typical Arduino.  You can find the usual GPIO, UARTs, ADCs, mulitchannel PWM and so on. The Scamp also has an LED array, useful for debugging or as a bar graph, an onboard temperature sensor, a Digital Signal Modulator, hardware Random Number Generator, Cryptography module, and in the case of the Scamp3e, onboard RS485/Modbus and a 2M dataflash.

Community and Ecosystem: Arduino has a vast and active community with extensive documentation, libraries, and online support. This can be a significant advantage when you need help or want to leverage existing code and resources. The Scamp documentation on Udamonic is very good. There's a Facebook user group to provide help and assistance.

Cost: Arduino boards are generally more affordable than the Scamp. If cost is a primary concern, Arduino may be a better choice.

Ease of Use: Arduino is known for its beginner-friendly environment, making it an excellent choice for those new to embedded systems and programming. The Scamp has a steeper learning curve, and is better suited to more experienced engineers.

Customization: The Scamp's turnkey support for FlashForth offer a high level of customization for experienced users. You can tailor it to your specific needs, which may be an advantage for specialized projects.

Industrial Applications: If your project requires robustness and reliability in industrial environments, the Scamp's hardware and software features may be better suited for such applications.

In summary, the choice between the Scamp and an Arduino depends on your project's requirements, your familiarity with the platforms, and your budget. The Scamp may excel in terms of processing power and customization but may have a steeper learning curve and be less budget-friendly compared to Arduino, which is known for its accessibility and extensive ecosystem. Assess your project's specific needs and your comfort level with the platforms to make an informed decision.

To find out more about the Scamp, visit https://udamonic.com/index.html

Exploring Forth-based Embedded Systems: My Journey with the Scamp

I had long heard of the Forth programming language, and had read how it is known for its minimalistic design, which makes it highly efficient in terms of both code size and execution speed. This efficiency is crucial in resource-constrained embedded systems where memory and processing power are often limited. Forth provides low-level access to hardware, allowing developers to interact directly with microcontroller peripherals, memory, and registers. This level of control is vital in embedded systems to fine-tune performance and manage hardware resources effectively. Forth's interactive nature and minimalist syntax lead to faster development cycles. Developers can write and test code interactively, making it well-suited for prototyping and iterative development. In the world of space exploration, NASA has long recognized the efficiency and reliability of Forth. This programming language has been extensively utilized in NASA missions such as Voyager, underlining its importance in demanding environments. Forth's track record with NASA demonstrates its reliability in critical applications. With this in mind, I wanted to try this language for myself, in its natural embedded space.

Although I've had several years of intermittent experimentation with Arduino, I wouldn't claim expertise by any means. Unfortunately, I encountered some challenges when attempting to get Forth running on the Arduino. While alternatives like Mecrisp-Stellaris on the RP2040 and eForth on the Arduino are possible, they require significant work to just get up and running. Then adding the most basic peripheral functionality to them (such as serial communication) instantly turns them into a formidable coding endeavor. If you're new to the world of microcontrollers, this substantial programming challenge can be a show stopper. This where Scamp came to my rescue.

My Forth journey took an intriguing turn when a friend recommended the Scamp board to me. August marked the arrival of my long-awaited Scamp, and for the past month, I've been fully immersed in its world. The process of getting the Scamp up and running is a breeze. With a few lines of code, you experience the magic of LEDs blinking and flashing for the first time. It's a moment of surprising joy.

Scamp leverages FlashForth and an extensive API to provide an accessible and versatile solution for embedded systems development. Scamp gives developers the ability to interact with microcontroller hardware directly. It can be used in diverse projects, from robotics and automation to sensor data acquisition and control systems. It's ideal for prototyping and product development, and can be directly integrated into a finished product. It's designed to be mated with custom PCBs, and as such Scamp can be deployed into production-ready solutions.

Scamp is a turnkey development board, ready to move your projects forward without being tripped by complex software engineering hurdles. This streamlines the development process, saving users time and effort. Scamp offers UART, I2C, SPI, and PWM APIs right out of the box, removing the need for extensive code development. Additionally, it boasts an LED array and temperature sensor, both equipped with predefined Forth words. The LED array, in particular, becomes an invaluable tool for debugging. It can used for displaying status, real-time monitoring of data, or as bar graph or progress indicator.  

I must admit that it has been an immensely rewarding experience. The Scamp has opened up new avenues for experimentation and learning for me. As I continue to delve deeper into this remarkable device, I find myself not only expanding my knowledge but also gaining a profound appreciation for the power of Forth in embedded systems development. The capability to use Forth for real-time register manipulation during testing has left me thoroughly impressed.

Scamp's well-thought-out layout and high-quality design resonate with both form and function. But the Scamp's true...