What is the difference between C and embedded C?

Question

In the C standard, a standalone implementation doesn't have to provide all of the library functions that a hosted implementation has to provide. The C standard doesn't care about embedded, but vendors of embedded systems usually provide standalone implementations with whatever amount of libraries they're willing to provide.

C is a widely used general purpose high level programming language mainly intended for system programming.

Embedded C is an extension to C programming language that provides support for developing efficient programs for embedded devices.It is not a part of the C language

You can also refer to the articles below:

• Difference between C and Embedded C
• Embedded C
• ISO/IEC J TC1 SC22 WG14 N1169

Embedded C is generally an extension of the C language, they are more or less similar. However, some differences do exist, such as:

• C is generally used for desktop computers, while embedded C is for microcontroller based applications.

• C can use the resources of a desktop PC like memory, OS, etc. While, embedded C has to use with the limited resources, such as RAM, ROM, I/Os on an embedded processor.

• Embedded C includes extra features over C, such as fixed point types, multiple memory areas, and I/O register mapping.

• Compilers for C (ANSI C) typically generate OS dependant executables. Embedded C requires compilers to create files to be downloaded to the microcontrollers/microprocessors where it needs to run.

Refer difference between C and embedded C

Basically, there isn't one. Embedded refers to the hosting computer / microcontroller, not the language. The embeddded system might have fewer resources and interfaces for the programmer to play with, and hence C will be used differently, but it is still the same ISO defined language.

1: C is a type of computer programming language. While embedded C is a set of language extensions for the C Programming language.

2: C has a free-format program source code, in a desktop computer. while embedded C has different format based on embedded processor (micro- controllers/microprocessors).

3: C have normal optimization, in programming. while embedded C high level optimization in programming.

4: C programming must have required operating system. while embedded C may or may not be required operating system.

5: C can use resources from OS, memory, etc, i.e all resources from desktop computer can be used by C. while embedded C can use limited resources, like RAM, ROM, and I/Os on an embedded processor.

Embedded environment, sometime, there is no MMU, less memory, less storage space. In C programming level, almost same, cross compiler do their job.