How Containers Are Reshaping Embedded Software Development

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Every embedded software development is different; each project has a different hardware configuration and interfaces. Thanks to containerization, developers can leverage software libraries and functions, especially if a common microprocessor or family of microprocessors is part of the design.

In recent years, containerization has become increasingly popular in the cloud and, within the world of technology, it has become a beneficial approach to application development and deployment. This blog explores the advantages of containerization and how its use is transforming application and embedded software development.

Advantages of Containerization

Containerization is a form of virtualization. The most used form of virtualization is a virtual machine, which emulates an entire computer, including the operating system. With virtual machines, developers can access software-based versions of computers running multiple applications and operating systems on a single physical computer. For example, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) engineer can use Linux virtual machines on Windows development machines to create an embedded Linux solution, which requires compilation in a Linux environment. The virtual machine saves developers from having to create a second development machine.

Sometimes developers do not need the full virtualization of the entire physical machine and operating system. Instead, they need to isolate a single application, its libraries, and other dependencies. In such cases, an embedded container essentially acts as a virtualization layer, separating the application from the underlying operating system and providing all the necessary dependencies required for its execution. This container houses everything needed for the application to be deployed in a much more lightweight and efficient manner compared to a full virtual machine.

It might initially seem odd that containers can benefit embedded software development, where the software is coupled much closer to the underlying hardware. However, there are interesting use cases for containers in embedded software development. Perhaps the most obvious use case is to replicate a single build environment for every developer on the project. By ensuring each developer is using the same environment, the container removes the possibility of variations due to slightly different library versions, environment versions, or compiler settings. This is essentially how containers have traditionally been used in other development environments. This replication use case significantly benefits embedded system developers just as it does those developing for the cloud or offering software as a service (SaaS).

One key advantage of containers is deploying them onto embedded systems. That is, the container is developed to be deployed on an embedded Linux or real-time operating system environment running on an embedded system. Embedded system containers are often tightly coupled to the hardware and written in lower-level languages than a more traditional container application.

Typically, embedded systems are more resource-constrained and have a dedicated application focus. They can also be deployed in more challenging environments, especially if unauthorized modification or access is not allowed.

Using containers for embedded applications offers several advantages beyond those that might be immediately obvious (e.g., the consistency of deployed libraries and resources to support the application). Among the key advantages are isolation and security, which result from the inherent isolation that exists between applications. Of course, breaches and issues can still occur, but they are typically limited to the scope of the container. Embedded containers also enable developers to leverage the benefits of a microservice architecture. In a microservice architecture, complex applications can be broken down into smaller, more manageable blocks called services. Using a microservice architecture also enables parallel development and can ease testing through communication between containers using defined interfaces, such as ports and Docker networks.

A containerized approach also helps address the challenges of updates or modifications in the field by enabling easy deployment from networked or cloud-based services such as Docker Hub, Amazon Web Services (AWS), Harbor, and Azure. For example, updated containers can be deployed to embedded devices, which can then be installed at a safe and convenient time for the embedded system. Deploying containers within the embedded environment should be part of a company’s development, security, and operations (DevSecOps) environment to promote consistency and ensure they are deployed safely and effectively. This is especially important in mission-critical end applications.

This containerized approach also enables further standardization, as evidenced by programs such as the Open Container Initiative (OCI). OCI is an industry-standard drive to standardize container technology, providing both run time and image specifications. Such standardization eases the implementation of support for containers deployed in embedded applications, as each container is deployed and bundled in a familiar manner.

Using containers for embedded software development requires nuance. Embedded systems' resource constraints, real-time requirements, and hardware specificity warrant a tailored approach to containerization. Tools and platforms that support containerization in embedded environments are emerging, but integrating them into existing workflows may require careful consideration and adaptation.

Of the approaches briefly outlined in this blog, the current most popular use case is using containers to establish and maintain the embedded software development environment and integration within the company’s DevSecOps environment. However, deploying containers to embedded devices running the software developed in those containerized development environments is poised to become increasingly popular.

Conclusion

As embedded systems continue to become more sophisticated, adopting tools that enable consistency, efficiency, and automation is critical. When used correctly, containers can make the embedded development process not only more efficient but also more enjoyable. For any team looking to modernize their workflows, containers are worth a closer look.