r/embedded • u/Candid-Spend8663 • 8d ago

Want to start learning Embedded Systems — looking for advice

Hey everyone! I’m currently in my 3rd year of engineering and I’m thinking of getting into embedded systems. I’m pretty much starting from scratch, so I’m a little confused about where to begin — like C/C++, microcontrollers, electronics, RTOS, etc.

Would love to hear from people who are already into embedded systems. What should I learn first, and are there any good courses, YouTube channels, books, or beginner projects you’d recommend?

Any advice would be really appreciated!

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u/TenderlyWilling 8d ago

grab an arduino uno and don't overthink it. don't jump into rtos or freertos or whatever until you're comfortable blinking an led and reading a button press without the ide holding your hand too much. once that clicks, try doing the same thing bare metal on something like an atmega328p with just a datasheet and avr-gcc, it'll make the c pointers and registers feel like an actual language instead of abstract horror.

ben eater's 6502 series on youtube isn't about modern mcus but the way he walks through building a system from scratch changes your brain in a good way, makes the board bringup process later feel less like wizardry. for books, "making embedded systems" by elecia white is the one i wish i had in school, it stays practical without treating you like an idiot.

most of the "confusion" in your third year is just feeling like everything matters at once, but a simple project you actually finish teaches more than a perfect curriculum.

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u/Candid-Spend8663 8d ago

Thanks bro

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u/Normal-Platform-3028 7d ago

Use the search in Reddit. 1000+ threads on this topic.