Bench Talk

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No-code/low-code (NCLC) platforms have become popular for developing software without deep programming knowledge or expertise. While these platforms are widely used in desktop, web, and mobile app development, they are beginning to make strides in the embedded systems domain. NCLC platforms typically feature intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, making these tools accessible to users lacking an extensive programming foundation.

By lessening the learning curve, NCLC enables faster application development and reduces the time from concept to deployment, making it ideal for quick prototyping to test ideas and functionalities before full-scale development. Additionally, many NCLC platforms provide real-time feedback and interactive debugging tools, allowing users to test and refine their applications rapidly. These characteristics make NCLC platforms popular in scientific, system integration, and academic applications, where real-world outcomes are prioritized higher than detailed software development.

However, as with all engineering decisions, there are tradeoffs that must be considered when electing to use an NCLC platform for developing an embedded system. These include the following:

• Limited Customization: Typically, NCLC platforms rely on predefined components and templates, which may not meet all unique or complex requirements. Some, however, allow for creating custom modules using more traditional languages, such as C.
• Performance and Efficiency Concerns: Applications built with NCLC platforms can be less efficient, more resource-intensive, and less scalable than those developed with traditional coding practices.
• Vendor Lock-In: Some platforms use proprietary technologies that may not be easily transferable to other architectures or development environments.
• Security and Compliance Risks: Ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations can be more challenging when using NCLC platforms, given their inherent “black box” nature. This can be particularly problematic in highly regulated industries.
• Debugging Difficulty: The abstraction layers that make NCLC platforms easy to use can also obscure the underlying operations, making diagnosing and fixing issues more difficult.

With the pros and cons of NCLC platforms understood, let’s take a take deep dive into some of the more notable NCLC options for programming embedded systems.

Education and Maker Platforms

“Drag-and-drop” NCLC platforms are excellent for rapid prototyping and educational purposes. There are several options that enable quick iteration and experimentation without the need for even basic programming knowledge.

• BlocklyDuino is an Arduino-oriented, web-based visual programming editor that uses Google's Blockly library. Key features include:
  • Drag-and-drop programming blocks
  • Real-time code generation in Arduino's programming language
  • Suitable for educational purposes and beginners
  • Open source and customizable

• MicroBlocks is a live, blocks-based programming environment for microcontrollers inspired by Scratch. Key features include:
  • Interactive programming with real-time updates
  • Support for multiple microcontroller platforms (e.g., micro, ESP32)
  • Simple and engaging for education and quick prototyping
  • Open source and community driven

Automation and IoT Platforms

Beyond their educational benefits, NCLC platforms can assist with automation and Internet of Things (IoT) needs. Platforms like Node-RED, XOD, and more are particularly suited for IoT projects, allowing users to integrate various sensors and devices easily.

• Node-RED is a flow-based development tool initially developed by IBM Emerging Technology Services’ browser-based editor. It enables users to wire together devices, APIs, and online services with a wide range of nodes. Key features include:
  • Drag-and-drop interface for building workflows
  • Extensive pre-built node library for common tasks
  • Ability to run on devices like Raspberry Pi, making it suitable for IoT projects
  • Supports integration with various protocols (e.g., MQTT, HTTP, WebSockets)

• XOD is a visual programming language for microcontrollers and Arduino boards. It uses a graphical interface where users connect nodes to create functional programs. Key features include:
  • Intuitive drag-and-drop interface
  • Open source with a growing library of nodes
  • Suitable for beginners and hobbyists
  • Supports Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and other microcontroller platforms
• Visuino is a graphical development environment for Arduino. It enables users to create programs by connecting visual blocks. Key features include:
  • Visual programming for Arduino boards
  • Extensive component library with pre-built blocks
  • Real-time simulation and debugging
  • Export to Arduino IDE for further customization
• Mendix is a low-code platform for rapid application development, including those for IoT and embedded systems. Key features include:
  • Model-driven development with a visual interface
  • Integration with IoT platforms and devices
  • Robust support for workflows, business logic, and data management
  • Cloud and on-premises deployment options

Industrial and Scientific Platforms

NCLC solutions are even making their way into industrial and scientific development projects. The following tools are suited for industrial applications where reliability, security, and precise control are critical.

• Laboratory Virtual Instrument Engineering Workbench (LabVIEW) is a system-design platform and development environment from National Instruments. It is particularly popular in engineering and scientific applications. Key features include:
  • Graphical programming environment
  • Extensive libraries for data acquisition, instrument control, and industrial automation
  • Integration with hardware devices for real-time processing
  • Suitable for complex systems requiring precise control and monitoring
     
• Torizon™ by Toradex is a Linux-based software platform designed to simplify the development and maintenance of embedded systems. It integrates with Visual Studio and Visual Studio Code, providing a low-code approach for developing embedded applications. Key features include:
  • Easy setup and deployment for embedded Linux
  • Integration with Docker for containerized applications
  • Remote monitoring and update capabilities
  • Security and reliability for industrial applications

Conclusion

No-code/low-code platforms are expanding program development opportunities and making significant impacts on the pace of building and deployment. The NCLC options discussed throughout this blog offer diverse capabilities, making them suitable for different use cases in embedded systems development. They democratize the development process, enabling a wider range of users to create sophisticated embedded applications.

Still, while NCLC platforms offer a compelling approach to rapid application development, they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. In response, these platforms have diversified their offerings to better meet various embedded development needs. For example, education and maker NCLC platforms feature rapid prototyping for educational purposes and strong support for source resources, while automation and IoT NCLC platforms allow sensors and devices to easily integrate into embedded systems, and industrial and scientific NCLC platforms provide reliability, security, and precise control to critical applications. By understanding the strengths and limitations of NCLC tools, developers and businesses can make informed decisions about their suitability for specific projects.