what is "native mcu code"

per Google AI ...

"Native MCU code" refers to the code that is directly understood and executed by a microcontroller (MCU) without any intermediate translation or interpretation, essentially the machine code or assembly language specific to that MCU's architecture. [1, 2, 3, 4]

Here's a more detailed explanation: [2]

• Microcontroller (MCU): A small computer on a single chip designed to control specific embedded systems. [2]

• Native Code: Code that is directly executable by the hardware (CPU) without needing a virtual machine or other intermediary. [1, 3]

• Machine Code: The lowest-level programming language, consisting of binary instructions (0s and 1s) that a CPU can directly understand. [1, 3, 5]

• Assembly Language: A low-level programming language that uses mnemonics (short codes) to represent machine instructions, making it more readable than machine code but still very close to the hardware. [1, 5]

• Why it matters: Using native code for MCUs allows for: [4, 6]

  • Direct hardware control: You can directly manipulate the MCU's registers and peripherals, giving you fine-grained control over the device. [4, 6]

  • Optimized performance: Native code can be more efficient and faster than code that is interpreted or compiled on top of a virtual machine. [1, 7]

  • Low-level access: You can work directly with the hardware, which is useful for tasks like embedded systems programming. [2, 4, 6]

Generative AI is experimental.

[1] https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/native-code

[2] https://www.ibm.com/think/topics/microcontroller

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_(computing)

[4] https://www.quora.com/How-do-microcontrollers-understand-read-code

[5] https://hardwarebee.com/step-by-step-guide-to-microcontroller-programming/

[6] https://www.baldengineer.com/difference-between-programming-and-native-ports.html

[7] https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-managed-code-and-native-code