In the February, 1992 issue of Embedded Systems Programming, a new column, Programmer's Toolbox, was introduced. The name was not chosen at random: The intent of the column is to provide useful tools and techniques that readers can apply to their own problems in embedded systems development. The idea is to have a library of reusable modules, written in several languages, that others can use to avoid re-invention of the wheel and improve their productivity and software qUality. In this paper, I'll describe the thoughts behind the column, the software tools that have already been presented, the ones yet to come, and the ultimate goal of the effort. A successful effort will require support from the user community. Part of the message of this paper is a plea for help and feedback.
ESC_1992_Vol1_Page159_Crenshaw – The Programmer’s Toolbox.pdf