Before I ask the question I realize that selection of a programming language depends on the context of a problem at hand.

Related to this I would like to know (if anyone) how many of you use which language for programming microcontrollers, embedded systems and even generally on PC.

Here is an example:

  • Webcam interface for face recognition. (USB or inbuilt)
  • Visualizing the data in real-time plus GUI.

Example languages which could be used for the above:

  • C
  • C++
  • Python
  • Java
  • C#

What do you recommend and why?

(I am asking this question because a lab I worked in were using Java to control a robot on wheels for object detection/avoidance etc. This seemed a bit wrong considering that for time critical apps. C or C++ seem to be good choices).

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In Uni courses all we have used is C (programming microcontrollers), and now that I have started working (programming for different types of hardware/processors) C is also used. It seems it is the most portable. I think C++ is more widely used, but is slightly less portable.

It all depends on how fast you need to develop the program/robot, and how fast you need the program/robot, to respond or to perform.

Python would undoubtedly be easier to develop than C or C++, but you'll never get the responsiveness in Python or Java, that you would get in C/C++.

If I'm programming a car to drive itself in a race, or a fighting bot, then I'm using C/C++ - period. If it's for a 2 mph robot that traverses a maze, then Python/Java/C# would be my choice. Very fast action/reaction time, just isn't needed for a slow mover.

Thanks, this gives me an idea to the good way of thinking about the problem.

C/C++ for hardware interface which requires instant action and Python/Java for UI etc.

C++ (pronounced see plus plus) is a programming language. It was started in 1979 at Bell Labs as an enhancement to the C programming language.C++ is also used for hardware design...


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