Bare Metal Programming
Bare metal programming is a software development approach where code runs directly on hardware without an operating system or other abstraction layers. It involves writing low-level code that interacts directly with processor registers, memory, and peripherals, typically in languages like C or assembly. This method is used for embedded systems, firmware, bootloaders, and real-time applications where maximum control and minimal overhead are critical.
Developers should learn bare metal programming when working on embedded systems, IoT devices, or real-time applications where resource constraints, deterministic timing, or direct hardware access are required. It's essential for firmware development, bootloader creation, and scenarios where an OS would introduce unacceptable latency or overhead, such as in automotive control systems or medical devices.