# 211: 4 weeks, 3 days

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2017-08-17
- Length: 1h 19m
- Episode: 211
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/211-4-weeks-3-days

## Summary

Dennis Jackson, Director of Firmware at Element Science, discusses how software engineers can transition into embedded systems by building personal projects using low-cost hardware like STM32 Discovery boards. He advises new hires to read James Grenning’s Test Driven Development in Embedded C and Elecia White’s Making Embedded Systems, emphasizing that understanding build systems like Make and continuous integration is as critical as writing drivers. Jackson argues that the distinction between firmware and software is fading, urging engineers to apply general software best practices like unit testing and static analysis to embedded constraints. He shares his interview philosophy, which prioritizes problem-solving and code quality over syntax, and highlights the importance of establishing a reproducible build environment to ensure reliable production releases.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=7) Introduction: Dennis Jackson and Element Science
- [2:33](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=153) Lightning Round: Tools and Preferences
- [5:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=302) Transitioning to Embedded: Hardware and Tools
- [10:42](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=642) Hiring Strategy: Whiteboard Tests and Drivers
- [25:24](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=1524) Career Paths: From Software to Embedded
- [32:34](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=1954) Firmware vs. Software: Convergence and Constraints
- [43:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=2632) Interviewing: Testing, Architecture, and Protocols
- [49:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=2942) Recommended Reading: TDD, Defensive C, and Make
- [55:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=3318) Build Systems: Command Line, CI, and Reproducibility
- [1:02:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=3761) Improving Team Processes: CI, Lint, and Baby Steps
- [1:17:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days#t=4626) Conclusion: Knowing Your Tools

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Factory operations & automation](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/factory-operations)
- [Intellectual property](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/intellectual-property)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Element Science (company)
- Airware (company)
- St. Jude Medical (company)
- Decca Research (company)
- STM32 Discovery boards (product)
- Raspberry Pi (product)
- Arduino (product)
- Jenkins (tool)
- Git (tool)
- SVN (tool)
- BitBucket (tool)
- GitHub (tool)
- Make (tool)
- Test Driven Development in Embedded C (product)
- Making Embedded Systems (product)
- Lint (tool)
- Clang (tool)
- GCC (tool)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Development is Better when it's Test-Driven](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-02-16-development-is-better-when-its-test-driven) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Christmas Special](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-12-22-christmas-special) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [How to Get Started](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2021-02-02-how-to-get-started) (The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast)
- [Embedded Linux with Jay Carlson](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-11-02-embedded-linux-with-jay-carlson) (The Amp Hour)
- [Firmware for Hardware Engineers with Phillip Johnston](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-09-07-firmware-for-hardware-engineers-with-phillip-johnston) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2017-08-17-211-4-weeks-3-days. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.