C++ talk : Derek Molloy
Details
Hello Everyone,
For this meetup, we'll have a presentation by Derek Molloy entitled :
Teaching Edge Programming: C++, Rust and Embedded Linux in the age of LLMs
--- Bio ---
Prof. Derek Molloy is a Professor in the School of Electronic Engineering at Dublin City University (DCU), where he lectures on Digital & Analogue Electronics, C/C++, Rust, Embedded Linux, and Connected Embedded Systems at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. His teaching focuses on practical edge and IoT systems, spanning embedded Linux, low-level device drivers, real-time computer vision, and hardware–software integration. He is the author of the widely adopted Wiley embedded Linux textbooks Exploring BeagleBone and Exploring Raspberry Pi, used internationally in both industry and academia and translated into Spanish, Chinese, and Korean. In addition to holding leadership roles within the Faculty, he led the creation of DCU’s industry-focused MSc in IoT and collaborates extensively with applied research and industry partners in the areas of edge computing, AIoT, computer vision, and embedded systems.
--- Abstract ---
This talk reflects on practical experience teaching C, C++, and Rust for edge programming in Electronic and Computer Engineering at Dublin City University, where language choices are shaped by emerging industry needs and sound educational pedagogy. It explores why C and C++ remain the backbone of embedded development and userspace device drivers, where Rust improves safety and concurrency, and where it can introduce additional cost or complexity. The talk also reviews how frameworks and tools such as Qt and MQTT are used to build complete, end-to-end edge, IoT, and emerging AIoT applications. Finally, it considers assessment design and the challenges posed by large language models -- focusing on how to evaluate genuine understanding, discourage superficial code generation, and adapt systems-programming education to a world in which AI tools have significant pedagogical strengths and weaknesses. While the talk does not claim to offer definitive answers on how best to teach edge programming for industry-ready C++ engineers in the age of LLMs, it aims to provide a foundation for informed discussion.
The great folks at Anseo are graciously letting us use their upstairs room again. You are all very welcome !
I also take the opportunity to let you know about our matrix chat rooms:
https://matrix.to/#/#cppdug:gitter.im
Let me know if you have any issue connecting.
You can find recordings of previous meetups here:
https://indymotion.fr/c/cppdug/videos
Our code of conduct is available here:
https://cppdug.github.io/codeofconduct
and we encourage anyone to share any concerns with the organisers.