User`s manual

Dynamic C User’s Manual digi.com 11
2. INTRODUCTION TO DYNAMIC C
Dynamic C is an integrated development system for writing embedded software. It is designed for use with
Rabbit controllers and other controllers based on the Rabbit microprocessor.
2.1 The Nature of Dynamic C
Dynamic C integrates the following development functions:
• Editing
• Compiling
• Linking
• Loading
• Debugging
into one program. In fact, compiling, linking and loading are one function. Dynamic C has an easy-to-use,
built-in, full-featured text editor. Dynamic C programs can be executed and debugged interactively at the
source-code or machine-code level. Pull-down menus and keyboard shortcuts for most commands make
Dynamic C easy to use.
Dynamic C also supports assembly language programming. It is not necessary to leave C or the develop-
ment system to write assembly language code. C and assembly language may be mixed together.
Debugging under Dynamic C includes the ability to use printf commands, watch expressions and
breakpoints. Watch expressions can be used to compute C expressions involving the target’s program vari-
ables or functions. Watch expressions can be evaluated while stopped at a breakpoint or while the target is
running its program. Dynamic C 9 introduces advanced debugging features such as execution and stack
tracing. Execution tracing can be used to follow the execution of debuggable statements, including such
information as function/file name, source code line and column numbers, action performed, time stamp of
action performed and register contents. Stack tracing shows function call sequences and parameter values.
Dynamic C provides extensions to the C language (such as shared and protected variables, costatements
and cofunctions) that support real-world embedded system development. Dynamic C supports cooperative
and preemptive multitasking.
Dynamic C comes with many function libraries, all in source code. These libraries support real-time pro-
gramming, machine level I/O, and provide standard string and math functions.
2.1.1 Speed
Dynamic C compiles directly to memory. Functions and libraries are compiled and linked and downloaded
on-the-fly. On a fast PC, Dynamic C might load 30,000 bytes of code in five seconds at a baud rate of
115,200 bps.