Detailed analysis of the 7 major steps to write a microcontroller application

1. Understand the functions and plan.

When you receive a microcontroller (MCU) project design file, don't rush into writing code immediately. Instead, take time to thoroughly review the technical requirements or descriptions provided by the user. Based on these, clearly define the main functions the program should perform. This is the most important step—make sure everything is clear and well-documented. If there are any uncertainties, it's essential to ask the customer or user for clarification. Otherwise, you might face problems later that could have been avoided with proper planning. Some features may be difficult to implement without prior consideration, while Others might need to be added or modified after development has started.

2. Prepare the overall flowchart and individual module flowcharts.

Once the required functions are defined, create an overall flowchart that outlines the entire program’s logic. Then, break down the program into key functional modules and develop flowcharts for each. These flowcharts will serve as a guide during coding, helping you stay on track and avoid major deviations. For example, when designing a keyboard scanning routine, you can create a flowchart that determines whether a key is a function key or a numeric key. If it's a function key, it triggers a specific subroutine; if it's a numeric key, it updates the display accordingly. Having a visual representation of the process makes coding more structured and efficient.

3. Prepare programming resources.

It's crucial to gather reference materials such as books, articles, and online resources related to the programming language you'll be using. Even experienced developers may not remember every instruction or hardware detail, so having these resources handy ensures quick access when needed. Keep them nearby or save them digitally so you can refer back to them during the development process.

4. Develop the human-machine interface (HMI).

The HMI in MCU-based projects is usually simple, but it must be intuitive and user-friendly. For instance, if the system uses LED displays, make sure the layout is clear and easy to read. The number of digits displayed should match the user's requirements. Designing a clean and logical interface helps users interact with the system more effectively.

5. Analyze potential challenges and find solutions.

Even experienced programmers may face difficulties during development. Before starting, analyze the program’s structure based on the functions and flowcharts you’ve created. Identify possible challenges, such as complex algorithms or hardware interactions, and research the best approaches to solve them. For example, in larger projects, keyboard scanning and display control can be challenging due to timing, debouncing, and signal handling. Understanding these issues beforehand allows you to plan better and avoid unnecessary delays.

6. Begin coding.

Once all preparations are complete, start writing the code. With a clear plan and sufficient documentation, most challenges should already have solutions. This preparation ensures that even if some issues arise during development, they’ll be easier to resolve. It’s also a good practice to write and test one function at a time, which helps isolate bugs and prevents conflicts between different parts of the program.

7. Debug the program.

Debugging is a critical part of the development process. While many software tools offer basic debugging features like single-step execution, breakpoints, and run-to-cursor, mastering these techniques takes practice. The more you debug, the better you become at identifying and fixing issues efficiently. Remember, experience builds confidence and improves your problem-solving skills over time.