If we make a classification of the controversial subjects in the domain of computer science domain, Real-time would certainly be one of the high ranking ones. Still today, on many professional technical forums, domain experts have lengthy and emotional debate on subjects such as: “should I use a Message Queue or a Semaphore”. These conversations are often interesting and rich in technical contents, but you must have a very specific background to understand both the vocabulary and the context.

For professional developers coming from other domains like web applications, graphical user interface or database management, Real-time is often considered obscure and difficult and they tend to avoid the learning curve. In this chapter we do not attempt to answer all the questions related to Real-time software, but we focus on technical aspects related to the relationship between Windows Embedded Compact 2103 and the design of Real-time embedded systems.and raise awareness of the pits and falls of Real Time development.

This chapter covers the following Real-time development related subjects:

·         The gearbox metaphor

·         A short history of Real Time

·         Hard and Soft Real Time systems

·         Behind the curtain: BSP and hardware

·         Should Managed code be banished?

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