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The release of C++20 brings a suite of powerful features that can significantly enhance the efficiency and capability of embedded software development. This post dives into how these modern features can be applied to the specialized field of embedded systems.

Overview of Key C++20 Features

C++20 is one of the most feature-rich updates to the language, introducing changes and enhancements that boost productivity and performance. Here are some of the most impactful features for embedded developers:

Concepts

Concepts introduce a way to specify template requirements, making C++ templates easier to use and resulting in clearer, more reliable code. For embedded systems, where efficiency and reliability are paramount, concepts help reduce errors and improve maintainability.

Coroutines

Coroutines simplify asynchronous programming, allowing suspension and resumption of functions more intuitively. In embedded systems, coroutines can manage tasks like handling multiple sensor inputs or managing state machines without complex callback structures.

Modules

Modules aim to replace the traditional C++ preprocessor with a more robust and performant module system. This can lead to faster compile times and better code isolation, particularly beneficial in large embedded projects where build times and maintenance are critical.

Ranges

The introduction of ranges provides a new way to work with sequences of data. Ranges can simplify complex data processing tasks in embedded software, making the code more expressive and less error-prone.

Lambdas

Enhancements to lambdas in C++20, including allowing default constructible and assignable stateless lambdas, make them more powerful for use in embedded systems where functional-style programming can help simplify complex behaviors.

Example: Using Concepts for Safer Code

Here’s a simple example of how concepts can be used to improve code safety in an embedded project:

#include <concepts>

template<typename T>
requires std::integral<T>
T modulo(T a, T b) {
    return a % b; // Safer as the concept ensures T is an integral type
}

int main() {
    auto result = modulo(10, 3);
    return 0;
}