Balancing Efficiency and Flexibility: Cost of Abstractions in Embedded Systems

This session will feature detailed case studies that measure the overhead associated with common programming abstractions in the context of embedded systems. By examining run-time implications, attendees will gain valuable insights into how these abstractions impact system resources like memory usage and execution speed. Key areas of exploration will include:

• Encapsulation: Assessing the cost of data hiding and interface protection depending on implementation strategies.
• Inheritance: Evaluating the costs and benefits of using class hierarchies in environments where memory and processing power are limited.
• Polymorphism: Comparing run-time polymorphism via virtual functions to compile-time alternatives like templates and concepts, analyzing their respective impacts on performance and flexibility.

Through empirical data and performance metrics, participants will observe how traditional object-oriented techniques affect resource utilization. The discussion will also cover the advantages and trade-offs of these techniques, providing a balanced view of their impact on embedded systems.

Designed for developers and system architects working within the constraints of embedded systems, this talk aims to provide valuable insights into making informed decisions about when and how to use specific programming abstractions. Attendees will leave with a clearer perspective on optimizing their code for maximum efficiency, armed with practical knowledge about the trade-offs involved in adopting various software design paradigms.