Build Systems
Compilation pipeline, toolchains, linker scripts, memory layout, and binary inspection
Compilation Pipeline
Understand what 'press Build' actually does: preprocessor, compiler, assembler, and linker — and what each stage produces.
Memory Layout & Startup
How VMA/LMA, .data copy, .bss zero, and the C runtime preparation chain make C code work — Reset_Handler from Flash to main().
Linker Scripts
Master the linker script: MEMORY and SECTIONS blocks, the location counter, KEEP/ALIGN, and how to place code and data exactly where you want it.
ELF, Map & Binary Inspection
Read ELF files and linker map files to debug binary-size, symbol-resolution, and unexpected-bloat issues using objdump, nm, size, readelf, strip, and addr2line.
Make & CMake for Embedded
Compare Make and CMake for embedded projects: rules, targets, toolchain files, and when to use each.
Toolchains & Cross-Compilation
Understand cross-compilation: gcc + binutils + libc components, sysroot, target triplets, and the float-ABI/CPU flags that pin a build to specific hardware.