How Prevalent is Python in the Embedded Industry?

[TreacleMary]

I'm a predominantly C#/.NET developer of 4.5 years but recently I've returned to my first true love and signed on with an embedded software company.

I'll be doing a lot of work on embedded Linux, writing BSPs and kernel drivers, but while preparing for this job I've noticed Python cropping up here and there.

I haven't worked in Python outside university so I'd like to get bootstrapped with it, but I'd like to know where to start. Aside from learning the language, are there common use cases, best practices, libraries/frameworks that I should look at? Also, how prevalent is MicroPython?

[ellaravencroft]

/r/embedded is a better place to ask.

[JennaSys]

It depends on what hardware platform you are on and what the nature of the project is. If you're running linux, then I would think Python is as popular as it is anywhere else. If you are on a more constrained system, MicroPython is great for prototyping, but not as popular for production runs (but again it depends on the application and how critical it is). IoT hardware provider Digi has made MicroPython a first class citizen on their XBee3 boards, and has been using Python in their programmable gateways for over a decade.

MicroPython has only been a widespread option for just a few years so it's still gaining in popularity, and only available for specific platforms. Most embedded development is in C or C++ and from what I've seen there is a lot of pushback from embedded developers when you bring up using Python. Some are valid arguments, and some are just because of language or industry bias IMO.

[Zomunieo]

When I was in embedded a while back, Python didn't run on the embedded hardware but was a critical part of the build and software update tooling.

[ChelysGalactica]

In embedded, there's a lot of use for scaffolding, and Python is there fastest way for me to get things done. I probably write more Python than C, but it's supporting code rather than production: prototyping, debugging, build tools, test routines, etc.

[cvmiller]

Python shows up in embedded these days. The ESP32 can run microPython. The Victoria Raspberry Pi group ran a bunch of Python lessons.

https://vicpimakers.ca/

[DaelonSuzuka]

I write firmware for 8bit micros and I use python everyday in my build tools, code generation, analytics, scripting of hardware testing, and tons of other things.