AVRDUDE
AVRDUDE (AVR Downloader/UploaDEr) is a command-line utility for programming Atmel AVR microcontrollers, including popular chips like the ATmega and ATtiny series. It allows developers to read, write, and verify flash memory, EEPROM, and fuse/lock bits on AVR devices using various hardware programmers such as USBasp, Arduino, or STK500. The tool is essential for embedded systems development, enabling firmware updates, debugging, and configuration of AVR-based hardware.
Developers should learn AVRDUDE when working with AVR microcontrollers in projects like Arduino, custom embedded systems, or IoT devices, as it provides a reliable way to program chips directly from a computer. It is particularly useful for tasks requiring precise control over firmware, such as setting fuse bits for clock speeds or security locks, and for debugging when serial bootloaders are unavailable or unreliable.