Development of Linker for 32-Bit MCU

Requirements

• To develop a linker for 32-bit RISC processor run on Windows and Linux platforms
• Compatible with Acme developed C Compiler
• Supports ELF/DWARF format

Solution

Linker was designed using object oriented paradigm in UML; coded in C++; unit tested using CPPUNIT; and documented using Javadoc. This development has equipped us with an understanding of object oriented methodologies. The emphasis during the development was mainly on the following:

• Technologies Used:

  UML	The design has been done using UML. Design diagrams were made, which were then translated to source code. A design document (for each module) containing all the design diagrams like use cases, a class and sequence diagram is updated regularly, as per the changes in the design.
  C++	The design has been converted to a working program using C++. Extensive use of its features and the Standard Template library is being made.
  CPPUNIT	Adopting a test driven development approach, CPPUNIT, a unit testing framework, was integrated from the beginning. This enabled us to effectively test the written code as well as find any defects in time.
  Javadoc Documentation	All the source code documentation has been done using the Javadoc format for file/function headers. The design, along with the design decisions is also appended in the source files. Any defects, problems solved etc. are also documented to ensure easy maintenance.

• Tools Used:

  Doxygen	Doxygen tool is used for generating documents for the product using the java doc format of commenting in the product development.
  CVS	The versioning maintenance is done using Win-CVS which ensures efficient record of different versions of the product development source / documents.
  DTS	An enhanced defect tracking system is used for keeping track of the defects. The use of DTS ensures tracking and finding statistical information related to defects in the product for analysis and record purposes