In this chapter, we took a look at how to select the right MCU for a new project, as well as how to add peripherals and deal with Ethernet and serial interface requirements in a project. We considered how memory is laid out in a variety of MCUs and how to deal with the stack and heap. Finally, we looked at an example AVR project, how to develop for other MCU architectures, and whether to use an RTOS.
At this point, the reader is expected to be able to argue why they would pick one MCU over another, based on a set of project requirements. They should be capable of implementing simple projects using the UART and other peripherals, and understand proper memory management as well as the use of interrupts.
In the next chapter, we will take a good look at how to develop for the ESP8266, in the form of an embedded project that will keep track of soil moisture levels and control a watering pump when needed.