The Evolution of Software in Embedded Systems-Safety, Security, and the Rise of Agile Development

Join hosts Joanna Schloss, Chief Marketing Officer at Parasoft, and Arthur Hicken, Senior Software Evangelist at Parasoft, in Episode 3 of Testing 1, 2, 3 as they dive into the fast-evolving world of embedded software, AI’s disruptive role in development, and the urgent need for safety and security in an increasingly connected world. Recorded on Valentine’s Day, this episode balances technical insights with lighthearted banter as the duo explores:

1. The Software Revolution in Embedded Systems
   • How cars evolved from 50 lines of code to 100 million—and why modern vehicles are now "moving computers."
   • The risks of IoT vulnerabilities (e.g., hacking tire pressure sensors to control critical systems).
   • Why agile workflows, CI/CD pipelines, and automated testing are non-negotiable for today’s developers.
2. Safety-Critical Challenges
   • The growing overlap between security, safety, and reliability in automotive, medical, and aerospace systems.
   • Why standards like MISRA, CERT, and UL2900 are critical for certifying code in high-stakes environments.
   • The "curmudgeon’s rule of testing": Ensuring tests prove functionality and expose failures meaningfully.
3. AI’s Double-Edged Sword
   • Can AI-generated code meet safety-critical standards? Spoiler: Guardrails are essential.
   • Why AI accelerates productivity for experts but amplifies risks for novices.
   • The future of AI in testing: Generating smarter test cases vs. creating "meaningless noise."
4. Industry Shifts & Upcoming Events
   • Embedded World 2024 preview: What to expect from Nuremberg (March 12–13) and the push for Rust in safety-critical systems.
   • The rise of "software-defined everything" and how startups disrupt traditional industries.
   • A playful debate: VI vs. Emacs (share your hot takes!).

Key Quotes:

• "100 million lines of code can’t be understood by humans—tooling isn’t optional anymore."
• "AI in safety-critical systems is like handing a toddler a chainsaw: powerful but dangerous without oversight."
• "MISRA isn’t about making life harder—it’s about coding for analyzability and trust."

Tune In If You’re:

• A developer, tester, or engineer in automotive, IoT, or embedded systems.
• Curious about AI’s role in coding and testing (and its limitations).
• Preparing for Embedded World or Rust Nation and want insider perspectives.

Stay Connected:

• Follow Parasoft for updates on industry events, tools, and standards.