How is C++ used and integrated in systems? Example inside.

Nov 23, 2016 at 1:04am
Good Evening!

Very new to C/C++, not so much programming. I come from a WebDev background, not a Software Dev/Eng position but I have recently found in interest in learning more about it.

What I was able to gather that C++ is a mid-to-low level language, and is generally used to build GUI based Software/Applications such as .exe programs and games. C is what is used to build Operating Systems and is a lower-level than C++.

But I tend to skip problems #1 and #2 and look directly at problem #150 when I tackle new challenges. Problem #150 is what are Aircraft Avionics Software written in? That is: How does written a program in C++ on board an Aircraft, then tell an on board computer to talk to hardware and say "Lower Landing Gear"?

I'd imagine that C++ program talks to the Operating System (written in C) that has commands (written in C) that were written such that the execute machine language when engages the Landing Gear in a sequence that reads "Lower".

Of course, high-level responses are always welcome, but I work better in learning between the high-to-mid level range right now; not currently at the low-level knowledge of C/C++.

Thank you very much! If more detail is needed to clarify my question, please dont hesitate to ask.

Cheers!
Nov 23, 2016 at 1:10am
What is the assignment are you solving?
Nov 23, 2016 at 1:20am
No assignment, just seeking knowledge.

Im an Engineer by trade, but I've always done freelance WebDev (FE and BE) on the side.

Im just curious how C++ can be used to write a .exe which resides on the computer which has an OS written in C (most likely) and somehow say and option on the C++ program to "Lower Landing Gear" actually lowers the landing gear!
Nov 23, 2016 at 1:22am
What does
Lower Landing Gear
mean?
Nov 23, 2016 at 1:38am
It means when a plane is flying...you better lower the landing gear...

Pretty self explanatory...

How does C++ application talk to on board computer OS to talk to the airplanes hardware?
Nov 23, 2016 at 2:40am
This has something to do with the hardware.

Let's say, a CPU has many PINs (yes, the needles), and each pin has two states: ON and OFF. When it's ON, it's connected, and the current will go through that pin.

So, in a program, it could set the PIN to either ON/OFF to interact with connected hardwares.

For example, we could connect the landing gear's motor to PIN_0 and PIN_1. When PIN_0 is ON, the motor will run, which lowers the landing gear; and when PIN_1 is on, the motor will run in opposite direction, which raises the landing gear.

This is just a very simple example, and of course a plane's landing gear is far more complicated than this, but the idea of controlling hardwares with PIN ON/OFF should be the same.
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