Survey of High-Level Language Interpreters/Compilers for Microcontrollers

Question

I would like to generate a list of high-level language interpreters and compilers (e.g. something that compiles LISP to C code) for microcontrollers.

I've done a bit of research so far that I will document here:

List of projects for running Python on microcontrollers: http://web.media.mit.edu/~nvawter/projects/pyMicro/

PyMite: http://wiki.python.org/moin/PyMite

python-on-a-chip: http://code.google.com/p/python-on-a-chip/

Armpit Scheme: http://armpit.sourceforge.net/

TinyScheme: http://tinyscheme.sourceforge.net/home.html

Minimal LISP Interpreter: http://www.sonoma.edu/users/l/luvisi/sl5.c

Embedded ML: http://embeddedml.sourceforge.net/Site/Intro.html

eLua: http://www.eluaproject.net/

Embedded JAVA: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Embedded_Java

amforth: http://amforth.sourceforge.net/

TinyTCL: http://tinytcl.sourceforge.net/

Tiny BASIC: http://www.ittybittycomputers.com/IttyBitty/TinyBasic/index.htm

AVR shell: http://www.instructables.com/id/AVRSH-A-Command-Interpreter-Shell-for-ArduinoAVR/

Bitlash shell (AVR): http://bitlash.net/wiki/start

Transterpreter (occam-pi on AVR): http://www.transterpreter.org/

Rite (embedded Ruby) (will be released in 2011): http://www.slideshare.net/yukihiro_matz/rubyconf-2010-keynote-by-matz

Jal (pascal like) for PICs, compiler: http://www.casadeyork.com/jalv2/ libraries: http://code.google.com/p/jallib/

.NET Micro Framework (C# and VB.NET): http://netmf.codeplex.com/

This is a community wiki – please feel free to add to the list.

Answer 1

I would add Staapl to this list.

Staapl allows you to use Scheme macros as a metaprogramming tool on top of a forth-like stack language. Staapl currently targets the PIC18 chips.

Forth is definitely not a high level language, but the addition of Scheme on top of it eases the development.

Answer 2

Here is a good list from SO that lists languages targeted to micros, although I think you got most of them. I've added the ones missing, leaving out the C interpreters.

There are also programs that will compile C++ to C, and I have seen some experimental work to translate c# to c for micro use, but that seems unnecessary.

Answer 3

I'm in the process of installing the toolchain to use the Transterpreter with the Arduino. It lets you write occam-pi for the ATmega chip (which supports concurrency). There's also an occam-pi library that supports all of the Arduino functions:

http://projects.cs.kent.ac.uk/projects/kroc/trac/wiki/CrossBuilding

The Transterpreter is now part of the KRoC (Kent occam-pi system) project.

Answer 4

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Some AVR interpreters:

1. http://www.cqham.ru/tbcgroup/index_eng.htm
2. http://www.jcwolfram.de/projekte/avr/chipbasic2/main.php
3. http://www.jcwolfram.de/projekte/avr/chipbasic8/main.php
4. http://www.jcwolfram.de/projekte/avr/main.php
5. http://code.google.com/p/python-on-a-chip/
6. http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?module=Freaks%20Academy&func=viewItem&item_id=688&item_type=project
7. http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?module=Freaks%20Academy&func=viewItem&item_id=626&item_type=project
8. http://www.avrfreaks.net/index.php?module=Freaks%20Academy&func=viewItem&item_id=460&item_type=project

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Some AVR compilers:

1. http://winavr.sourceforge.net
2. http://www.iar.com/website1/1.0.1.0/107/1/
3. http://www.mcselec.com
4. http://www.e-lab.de/index_en.html
5. http://www.mikroe.com/eng/categories/view/21/avr-compilers

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Answer 5

I would like to add C# using the .NET Micro Framework. There are many ARM ports in use and it is well supported and documented. http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc533001.aspx

Some of the well known development boards out there:

Fez Panda/Domino Netduino and Netduino plus