WhatOS

WhatOS is a small Python open-source framework for creating applications consisting of communicating state machines. So far, its most useful application domain has been deeply embedded system design. This is a personal project which I have used for learning new things, consulting work, hardware needed for systems controls research at the University of Waterloo (where I am currently doing my Masters), and other hobby hardware projects.

In a nutshell, WhatOS allows a Python programmer to write state machines, called tasks, plug them together in a system, and simulate that system. The behaviour of each task can be specified using either C or Python. WhatOS can generate a standalone real-time operating system (RTOS) containing the C tasks in the system and all communication support between those tasks. This RTOS is generated in the form of a C file which may be compiled using different C compilers and used to program different processors.

The primary goals include:

Agile, Rapid, Test-driven development

Being written in Python, system reconfiguration is highly flexible. A system is tested completely on a PC before programming on a target microprocessor. Components available only on the target, such as hardware devices, are simulated. Simulation sessions may be captured for automated testing.

Reusability and target independence

Tasks are self-contained components which are reusable in many different systems running on many different processors.

Speed and memory efficiency

Generated systems are intended to work on targets as small as 8-bit microcontrollers (a small application easily fits on an ATMEL ATMEGA8 microcontroller). Only features needed by the application are included.

Automated documentation

Visual diagrams show the connectivity between tasks.