ARM Architecture and Programming Essentials by Richard Johnson

"ARM Architecture and Programming Essentials"

"ARM Architecture and Programming Essentials" is a comprehensive guide that demystifies the inner workings of ARM processors from the ground up. Beginning with the historical evolution and foundational design principles of the ARM architecture, the book carefully traces its rise and lasting impact on the semiconductor industry. Readers are introduced to the various ARM core families, instruction sets, licensing models, and the critical role ARM plays within modern system-on-chip integrations, providing a robust context for both newcomers and seasoned engineers.

Delving deeper, the book methodically explores the entire ARM Instruction Set Architecture, elucidating everything from binary instruction encoding to advanced SIMD, NEON, and VFP extensions. Dedicated chapters walk through pipeline microarchitecture, hazard management, branch prediction, and practical strategies for efficient assembly-level programming. In-depth discussions on memory hierarchies, virtualization, security features like TrustZone, and exception/interrupt handling showcase ARM's adaptability to both high-performance and deeply embedded applications.

Bridging theory with hands-on practice, "ARM Architecture and Programming Essentials" guides readers through embedded development workflows, including bare-metal programming, RTOS integration, energy-efficient designs, and peripheral interfacing. Special attention is given to multicore and heterogeneous systems, debugging, profiling, and continuous integration using leading software toolchains. The book concludes by highlighting future trends— AI, cloud, IoT, automotive, and beyond—ensuring that engineers, developers, and students alike are well-equipped to innovate with ARM platforms for years to come.