ABSTRACT
This chapter explains the function of software program instructions in a microcontroller-based system. It utilizes the various steps in the software development process. Best practices in software engineering employ the divide-and-conquer strategy in order to decompose the problem or the customer requirements into smaller and easy-to-handle problems or product requirements. The chapter aims to achieve proficiency in problem-solving and design development approaches with respect to embedded software development, especially the HC11 programming. Most system software like Windows, and applications software like word processors and spreadsheets, are written with higher-level languages. Higher-level languages contain English-like commands that are readily understandable by the programmer. Typical microcontroller system software provided in microcontroller development systems such as the HC11 includes editors, assemblers, compilers, interpreters, debuggers, and an operating system. The editor is used to create or change source programs. Many editors for software developers include source program syntax highlighting and automatic completion to make programs easier to read and write.
