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Embedded Build Systems with GNU Tools and Makefiles

Embedded Build Systems with GNU Tools and Makefiles

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

Included with Learn more

8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

8 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete

at 10 hours a week

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Set up GNU Arm tools for embedded builds
Write linker scripts for STM32 firmware
Automate builds with practical Makefiles

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

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There are 8 modules in this course

Move beyond IDE-driven workflows by configuring GNU Arm tools, linker scripts, startup files, CMSIS integration, and Makefiles for bare-metal STM32 firmware builds.

Command-line build systems give embedded developers control over how firmware is compiled, linked, inspected, and automated. This course focuses on bare-metal STM32 development without depending on an IDE, helping learners understand the full path from source files to executable firmware. The course starts with development environment setup, GCC for Arm, OpenOCD, documentation, and memory-mapped register work. Learners then explore the GNU toolchain, build process, linker scripts, C startup files, Make, CMSIS integration, advanced Make techniques, and a semihosting-based ADC sensor-data project. Practical exercises reveal how linker scripts, startup code, binutils, and Makefiles work together in real projects. Learners gain confidence diagnosing build issues and automating firmware workflows; by the end of this course, they can build bare-metal embedded firmware from scratch using GNU tools and Make. Embedded developers, firmware engineers, and STM32 learners who want to understand and control the build process outside an IDE. Suitable for those with basic C and microcontroller knowledge who need practical experience with GNU Arm tools, linker scripts, startup files, and Makefiles. Learners work from the command line with a text editor, GNU tools, and Make. The course explains each build artifact before integrating it into a working firmware project. Examples move from registers and linking to CMSIS and sensor-data output. This course is based on Embedded Build Systems with GNU Tools and Makefiles, by Israel Gbati. This course is licensed and distributed by Packt. All rights reserved. Packt is one of the world's most prolific publishers of cutting-edge technical content. For over two decades we've made it our mission to curate and publish the knowledge of only the very best technical experts. We focus on real-world courses that help our customers get the job done, with coverage that extends across a wide range of established and cutting-edge technical topics. If you're an individual or an organisation that embraces learning by doing, Packt is the perfect fit for you.

This module provides an in-depth look at setting up and understanding the development environment for embedded systems. Learners will explore firmware development methodologies, essential tools, and practical setup procedures. By the end, they will be able to configure a functional development workspace.

What's included

5 videos

This module focuses on setting up development environments, understanding hardware documentation, and configuring peripheral registers for embedded systems. Learners will gain hands-on skills in using technical documentation, setting up IDEs, and implementing firmware for microcontrollers.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment

8 videosTotal 90 minutes

Downloading the Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Control Experiment3 minutes
Installing an Integrated Development Environment (IDE) for Control Experiment3 minutes
Getting the Right Documentation for Bare-Metal Development6 minutes
Locating the Ports and Pins of Components on the Nucleo Board8 minutes
Defining Addresses of Modules Using Information from the Documentation21 minutes
Creating Required Registers Using Information from Documentation20 minutes
Configuring Pins Using the Registers We Created9 minutes
Creating Registers from Structure Members21 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

STM32 Microcontroller Fundamentals16 minutes

This module provides an in-depth look at the build process for embedded systems, focusing on the GNU toolchain and its components. Learners will gain hands-on understanding of compiling, linking, and analyzing object files for ARM Cortex-M projects. The content covers practical workflows and key tools used in firmware development.

What's included

8 videos1 assignment

8 videosTotal 84 minutes

Understanding the Build Process7 minutes
Overview of Some GNU Bin Tools9 minutes
Observing the Build Process from an IDE Perspective11 minutes
Compiling and Linking Existing Source Files Using the GNU Arm Toolchain15 minutes
Exploring the GNU Bin Tools – The Compiler12 minutes
Exploring the GNU Bin Tools – Adding Options for Arm Cortex9 minutes
Exploring the GNU Bin Tools – Stopping After Compilation3 minutes
Analyzing Object Files16 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Essential Embedded Systems Build Process16 minutes

This module provides an in-depth exploration of linker scripts and startup files in embedded systems, covering memory mapping, section placement, symbol definitions, and practical implementation techniques. Learners will gain hands-on experience with building and verifying custom firmware components using structured, firmware-focused workflows.

What's included

19 videos1 assignment

19 videosTotal 194 minutes

Understanding the Memory Model and Linker Script10 minutes
Understanding the Load Memory of Different Sections11 minutes
Getting Familiar with Some Linker Commands2 minutes
Analyzing the Linker Script Generated by CubeIDE8 minutes
Understanding Linker Constants2 minutes
Writing the Linker Script (Part 1) – Memory Definition9 minutes
Writing the Startup File (Part 1) – Creating the ISR Vector Section5 minutes
Writing the Startup File (Part 2) – Populating the Vector Table22 minutes
Verifying the Creation of the Custom Section8 minutes
Writing the Linker Script (Part 2) – Merging Sections7 minutes
Understanding Linker Symbols4 minutes
The Location Counter2 minutes
Example of a Simple Linker Script4 minutes
Writing the Linker Script (Part 3) – Creating Symbols15 minutes
Writing the Linker Script (Part 4) – Testing the Linker Script35 minutes
Writing the Linker Script (Part 5) – Aligning Memory Sections7 minutes
Writing the Startup File (Part 3) – Writing the Reset_Handler11 minutes
Testing the Linker Script on the Target27 minutes
Flashing the Target Using GDB Client5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Embedded System Linker Script Fundamentals16 minutes

This module introduces learners to the fundamentals of the Make build system, covering how to set up, configure, and automate software builds using makefiles. It focuses on practical skills like defining variables, testing build processes, and troubleshooting common issues in firmware development.

What's included

5 videos1 assignment

This module provides an in-depth understanding of the CMSIS standard and its role in embedded systems development. Learners will explore the integration of CMSIS components, including GPIO drivers, and gain hands-on experience with firmware setup and implementation on ARM Cortex-M microcontrollers.

What's included

4 videos1 assignment

This module covers advanced techniques for using Make in firmware development, including organizing output folders, generating map files, integrating CMSIS, and building with assembly and C++ source files. Learners will gain practical skills in structuring and managing embedded build systems effectively.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

6 videosTotal 54 minutes

Integrating CMSIS into Firmware14 minutes
Creating Output Folders with Make13 minutes
Generating Map Files into Output Folders2 minutes
Using Folder Variables and Input Folders10 minutes
Building with Assembly Source Files6 minutes
Building with C++ Source Files9 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Embedded Project Build Workflow and File Management16 minutes

This module explores the process of converting analog sensor signals into digital data using ADC and implementing it in embedded systems. It covers configuring ADC modes, developing drivers, and interfacing with display hardware using semihosting. Learners will gain hands-on experience with firmware development and sensor data visualization.

What's included

6 videos1 assignment

6 videosTotal 89 minutes

Introduction to Analog-to-Digital Conversion4 minutes
Understanding ADC Independent Modes9 minutes
Developing the ADC Single Conversion Driver37 minutes
Developing the ADC Continuous Conversion Driver4 minutes
Displaying Sensor Data with Semihosting (Part 1)23 minutes
Displaying Sensor Data with Semihosting (Part 2)13 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 24 minutes

The Embedded Build Systems with GNU Tools and Makefiles Final Assessment24 minutes

Instructor

Packt - Course Instructors

Packt

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.

Embedded Build Systems with GNU Tools and Makefiles

Embedded Build Systems with GNU Tools and Makefiles

What you'll learn

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

See how employees at top companies are mastering in-demand skills

There are 8 modules in this course

The Development Environment

What's included

Constructing Peripheral Registers from Memory Addresses

What's included

Understanding the Build Process and Exploring the GNU Toolchain

What's included

Developing the Linker Script and Startup File

What's included

The Make Build System

What's included

Integrating the Cortex-M Software Interface Standard (CMSIS)

What's included

More Techniques on Using Make

What's included

Sending ADC Sensor Data Using Semihosting

What's included

Instructor

Offered by

Why people choose Coursera for their career

Felipe M.

Jennifer J.

Larry W.

Chaitanya A.

What brings you to Coursera today?

Unlock access to 10,000+ courses with a subscription

Advance your career with an online degree

Join over 4,700 global companies that choose Coursera for Business

Frequently asked questions

Can I preview a course before enrolling?

When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?

What will I get when I enroll?

More questions