Richard H. Barnett | Sarah A. Cox | Larry D. O'Cull
1 Excellent. Only small complaints....
The first chapter of this book is the most concise, articulate tutorial on embedded C that I have yet found. The second chapter is an equally well written description of the AVR architecture including examples (with code) of how to use peripherals such as timers, serial communication (UART and SPI), analog to digital conversion, etc. These two chapters alone made this book a good value for me and it is organized well enough to make an invaluable reference for the future.
The third and fourth chapters are specific to the Codevision compiler. The evaluation version of Codevision on the included CD has a limited code size and cannot be used to compile the final project in chapter 5, and this is the source of my only complaint. For the price of this book, it would be even more attractive if it included a coupon for a discount on the complete version of the Codevision compiler/IDE (at least one of the authors is from the company that offers Codevision).
That said, Codevision appears to be a very good package. All C compilers for the AVR target have differences so it was necessary to focus on one. But for my purposes and budget, I instead chose to use the freely distributed AVR-GCC compiler (search WinAVR), so the differences must be kept in mind while studying the code examples (e.g. bit-level I/O port access, memory sectioning). This is not a major obstacle, however, and the final project in chapter 5 still functions as an excellent description of the process of project development, from concept to final test.
If you want to learn embedded C, strongly consider buying this book.
If you want to learn embedded C and the AVR line of microcontrollers specifically, buy this book.
If you want to learn embedded C for the AVR using the Codevision compiler/IDE, run and buy this book NOW!
2 Actually, 4.5 stars, due to a few bad chapters.
I will say upfront that this book represents some of my best spent money. This book is concisely and intelligently explaining embedded C programming, in a way well-suited for people used to working with assembler. It's so well-written that it keeps the readers interest and invites him/her further into it's fascinating world of electronics and programming.
Even the seasoned C programmer will find the book interesting, as it sheds light into a different aspect of this programming language and the hardware on which it runs. And did I mention that the book was really written well?
Said all this, I think chapters 4 and 5, as well as appendixes B, D and E are unnecessary, some of them are a real let-down compared to the rest of the book. The chapter and appendix about Codevision AVR are not any better than just starting a simple project with CVAVR - CVAVR is a really simple IDE for the AVR series of MCUs. Unfortunately, those chapters and appendixes represent more than half of the book.
3 The CD is Blank
The book is a very good starter book for embedded C beginners. The sample project leaves a lot of detail for the LCD display not explained in chapter 2 and 5. I still recommend the book. However the original and the replacement CDs are blank and it is not my computer as the replacement was never in the same pc as the original cd. I really would like a working cd.
4 Must have for you Atmel phreaks
If you know of the ATMEL AVRs, then you probably should own this book.
If you are enw to the ATMEL, try this book or the "other" AVR book "Programming and Custominzing the AVR Microcontroller" ISBN 007134666X (by Dhananjay). This one is great for first timers learning microcontrollers. I picked up the Dhananjay book, never having done any microcontroller stuff, and was jamming in a week!!!
This C-programming book starts out a little slower, as it has to teach some C-fundamentals....nevertheless, both are excellent books for one of the best 8-bit microcontrollers out there....a great starting point for students and engineers.
5 Great book for starters and experienced programmers!
This is a great book on embedded C programming. Although it focuses on the Atmel AVR microcontrollers, it is a useful reference for anyone doing embedded development! I have been an embedded systems developer for years and this is the first book that I have found that I keep at my desk for quick references - for software and hardware!
