Teaching Edge Programming: C++, Rust and Embedded Linux in the age of LLMs by Derek Molloy (2026)
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
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.
Talk delivered to the Dublin C++ User Group in January, 2026.
The talk is also avaialble at IndyMotion: https://indymotion.fr/w/uYB27Lu4uMZnXroY8n9QgN
