C Programming Basics for
Embedded Systems
Functions, Pointers, Function Pointers, Loops,
Conditionals, and Logic Operations
Prepared for STM32 Microcontroller Learners
Introduction to C
• C is the most widely used language in
embedded systems.
• STM32 microcontrollers are programmed
primarily in C.
• Learning these core concepts prepares us for
microcontroller development.
Introduction to C
• What is C Language?
• General-purpose programming language developed in the early
1970s.
• Known for being fast, efficient, and close to hardware.
• Forms the foundation of many modern languages (C++, Java, C#,
etc.).
• Widely used in operating systems, embedded systems, and device
drivers.
• Provides direct memory access via pointers → powerful for
hardware control.
• Why we learn it:
– Most microcontrollers (like STM32) are programmed in C.
– Gives us control over hardware while still being human-readable.
C Code → Machine Code (Binary) Concept
C code → Assembly → (binary 1001…) →
Executable.
Variables in C
• Definition: A variable is a named storage location in memory that
holds a value.
• Types:
– int → whole numbers (e.g., 10, -5)
– float → decimals (e.g., 3.14)
– char → single character (e.g., 'A')
• Example:
• int age = 20;
• float temperature = 36.5;
• char grade = 'A';
• Real-life analogy:
– Like labelled boxes in a cupboard → each box (variable) stores one
kind of item (value).
Variables in C
• Variable Declaration in C
• Definition: Tells the compiler the variable’s name and type.
• Syntax:
• type variableName;
• Examples:
• int age; // integer variable
• float salary; // decimal number
• char grade; // single character
• Initialization:
• int age = 20;
• float salary = 4500.50;
• char grade = 'A';
• Rules:
– Must start with a letter or underscore.
– Case-sensitive (Age ≠ age).
– Cannot use C keywords.
• Analogy: Declaring a variable is like labeling a box before putting something
inside.
Bad Variable Names in C
Bad Variable Names in C
• These are not allowed because they break C’s naming rules:
• Starting with a digit
• int 1value; // cannot start with a number
• Using symbols (other than underscore)
• int cost$; // $ not allowed
• int value-1; // - is an operator, not valid
• Containing spaces
• int my value; // space not allowed
• Using reserved keywords
• int for; // "for" is a keyword
• int int; // "int" is a keyword
•
• Remember:
• Variable names can use letters, digits, underscore.
• Must start with a letter or underscore.
• Cannot use C reserved words.
Loops: while and for
• while loop: Repeats while condition is true.
• for loop: Repeats for a fixed number of times.
• Embedded link: while(1) is the infinite main
loop in microcontroller programs.
Counter in C
int counter = 0;
while (counter <= 10) {
printf("%d\n", counter);
counter = counter + 1;
}
For loop in C
#include <stdio.h>
int main() {
int numbers[] = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}; // array of integers
int length = sizeof(numbers) / sizeof(numbers[0]);
// Loop through the array
for (int i = 0; i < length; i++) {
printf("Element %d: %d\n", i, numbers[i]);
}
return 0;
}
Pointers
• Definition: A variable that stores the memory
address of another variable.
• Used for efficient memory access and
hardware register control.
• Real-life analogy: A home address that tells
you where a person lives.
Pointers
• Understanding Pointers in C
• Key Concepts:
• Pointer Declaration:
int *p;
Declares a pointer p that can store the address of an
integer.
• Assigning Address to Pointer:
p = &x;
Stores the address of variable x in pointer p.
• Dereferencing Pointer:
*p
Accesses the value stored at the address pointed to by p.
Pointers
• #include <stdio.h>
• int main() {
• int* pc, c;
•
• c = 22;
• printf("Address of c: %p\n", &c);
• printf("Value of c: %d\n\n", c); // 22
•
• pc = &c;
• printf("Address of pointer pc: %p\n", pc);
• printf("Content of pointer pc: %d\n\n", *pc); // 22
•
• c = 11;
• printf("Address of pointer pc: %p\n", pc);
• printf("Content of pointer pc: %d\n\n", *pc); // 11
•
• *pc = 2;
• printf("Address of c: %p\n", &c);
• printf("Value of c: %d\n\n", c); // 2
• return 0;
• }
Pointers
• More on pointers - https://www.programiz.com/c-programming/c-pointers?utm_source
Functions
• Definition: Reusable block of code.
• Takes input (parameters), may return output.
• Helps organize code into logical units.
• Real-life example: A calculator function that
adds two numbers.
Function Example
• Example:
• int add(int a, int b) {
• return a + b;
• }
• Main program calls add(3,4) → returns 7.
• Embedded link: A function can turn on an LED
or read a sensor.
Loop Example
• for (int i=0; i<5; i++) {
• printf("LED Blink %d\n", i);
• }
• Real-life analogy: A traffic light repeats red-
yellow-green cycle.
Function to swap two numbers using pointers
• #include <stdio.h>
• void swap(int *a, int *b) {
• int temp = *a; // store value of a
• *a = *b; // put value of b into a
• *b = temp; // put temp (original a) into b
• }
• int main() {
• int x = 10, y = 20;
• printf("Before swap: x = %d, y = %d\n", x, y);
• swap(&x, &y); // pass addresses of x and y
• printf("After swap: x = %d, y = %d\n", x, y);
• return 0;
• }
Conditionals: if statements
• Definition: Executes code only if condition is
true.
• Example: if (temperature > 30) { turnOnFan();
}
• Embedded link: Check if a button is pressed
before toggling an LED.
Next :Logic
Operations
• Operators: && (AND), || (OR), !
(NOT).
• Example: if (buttonPressed &&
systemOn) { startMotor(); }
• Real-life analogy: Car starts only if
brake is pressed AND key is
turned.
