WhatOS

WhatOS is a small Python framework for creating applications consisting of communicating state machines. It allows a Python programmer to write state machines, called tasks, plug them together in a system, and simulate that system. The behavior of each task can be specified using either C or Python. WhatOS can generate a stand-alone real-time operating system (RTOS) containing the C tasks 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:

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.

Re-usability 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 micro-controllers (a small application easily fits on an ATMEL ATMEGA8 micro-controller). Only features needed by the application are included.

Automated documentation

Visual diagrams show the connectivity between tasks.