# 362: Permutations of Underscores

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2021-02-18
- Length: 1h 18m
- Episode: 362
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/362

## Summary

Elecia White and Christopher White discuss Christopher's experience using Python and the `ctypes` library to interface with hardware via a CAN bus, highlighting the challenges of parsing split-bit fields. They analyze the Raspberry Pi Pico's programmable I/O features and debate the trade-offs between Arduino, Mbed, and bare-metal ecosystems regarding developer lock-in. The conversation concludes with advice on managing remote work, distinguishing between self-care and self-soothing, and strategies for knowing when to stop coding to avoid technical debt.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=6) Introduction: Python, CAN Bus, and Christopher's Project
- [2:48](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=168) Python Syntax: Dunders, Underscores, and Object-Oriented Design
- [4:31](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=271) Using ctypes and SocketCAN for Hardware Interface
- [10:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=650) CAN Bus Documentation Issues and ROS Usage
- [17:25](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=1045) Self-Care vs. Self-Soothing in Engineering
- [28:15](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=1695) Embedded Industry Certifications and Social Media
- [38:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=2287) Raspberry Pi Pico and Programmable I/O
- [46:19](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=2779) Choosing Microcontroller Ecosystems: Arduino, Mbed, and Lock-in
- [59:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores#t=3587) Origami Flex Circuits and Remote Work Boundaries

## Topics

- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Wireless & RF](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/wireless-and-rf)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [Founder wellbeing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/founder-wellbeing)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Python (other)
- ctypes (other)
- CAN bus (other)
- SocketCAN (other)
- Raspberry Pi Pico (chip)
- RP2040 (chip)
- Arduino (other)
- Mbed (other)
- STM32 (chip)
- ESP32 (chip)
- ROS (other)
- Kitetic (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Ep 387: Superhuman Clocks, CAN in USB-C, and the Joys of Bare Metal](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-18-ep-387-superhuman-clocks-can-in-usb-c-and-the-joys-of-bare-metal) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Why isn't this working?](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-02-14-why-isnt-this-working) (The Amp Hour)
- [Rubber Duck Incarnate](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-01-26-rubber-duck-incarnate) (The Amp Hour)
- [Embedded Hardware with the Raspberry Pi Team](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2021-02-08-embedded-hardware-with-the-raspberry-pi-team) (The Amp Hour)
- [Apple II controlled Synthesizer, Rust on Everything, New Pi Bootloader](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2022-02-10-apple-ii-controlled-synthesizer-rust-on-everything-new-pi-bootloader) (The Electromaker Show)

## 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/2021-02-18-362-permutations-of-underscores. 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.