Why maintainability matters in embedded software development?

Code maintainability is often overlooked in embedded software development, even though it’s one of the key factors in ensuring product quality and long-term competitiveness. Maintenance is the most significant phase, both technically and economically, in long-lifecycle industrial products.

If you build the product right from the start, you’ll save in the end. “Start” might mean a six-month R&D project, while “end” could be a 30-year product lifecycle, which is not unusual when working with physical devices.

Embedded software maintenance – today’s quick fix, tomorrow’s costly nightmare?

“There’s always time to redo things, but rarely to do them properly the first time.”

The maintenance phase can account for 60–80% of the total lifecycle cost of embedded software. Yet, strict business goals and deadlines push teams toward short-term thinking, even when better solutions today could save significant time and money next year – not to mention over the coming decades.

In time-bound R&D projects, refactoring and code clean-up may feel like delays. But without care, a system can become practically unusable even in just a few years. Over time, the codebase degrades, and changes become slower and riskier. This is crucial, especially in complex environments where no single person can manage the full scope of the system.

Tactics to improve maintainability in embedded software

“I’ve never been on a project where everything gets finished.”

Embedded development is complex with countless variables, few standards, and low-level languages that allow multiple, yet valid, ways to write the same logic. That’s why improving maintainability in embedded software starts with understanding the system architecture and the operating environment while aligning on shared practices.

A well-designed system with modular architecture enables easier future development and ensures continuity of knowledge throughout the product’s long lifecycle.

1. Embrace platform thinking

Platform thinking is all about structured reuse of software components. It helps avoid drifting into duplicated code and patchwork solutions.

With reusable components and configuration tools, the first working version of a new application could be built in a matter of days – a significant advantage in industrial markets, where certification processes are lengthy. As embedded developers like to say, “Once the LED is blinking, we’re well on our way.”

2. Prioritize modularity and architecture

Modular architecture is at the core of maintainability in embedded software, breaking systems into manageable, understandable pieces. Clearly defined interfaces and minimal dependencies allow individual components to be updated without rewriting the whole system.

Development culture should support reusability and logical code structure that people can naturally understand. Just like paragraphs are needed to write a novel, you shouldn’t develop software without a clear structure.

3. Test and analyse the codebase

Lack of testing is one of the biggest reasons embedded codebases deteriorate. Unit and integration tests safeguard critical functionality through changes. Static analysis tools support code consistency and flag problems early.

Most analysis tools are free, and I genuinely hope younger developers start using them in hobby projects, so they become part of everyday practice in the future and embrace maintainability in embedded software.

4. Standardize ways of working

Unified development practices and guidelines reduce knowledge loss and inconsistent approaches, especially across teams and organizations. Ideally, companies should have a dedicated platform team to maintain shared code libraries and coding conventions.

Management buy-in is essential here. Results may take time, but even the best intentions rarely stick without organizational commitment.

Make maintainability a strategic priority

“We need resources and the right mindset to challenge and improve.”

Focusing on maintainability is a strategic decision that future business owners and embedded developers will thank you for. It requires upfront investment, but pays off in the long run. Without a strong foundation, teams quickly end up in a situation where no one dares to touch legacy code, and new features are hacked in as best they can.

If you were to visualize different approaches on a cost ramp, the slower, more stable “diesel start” would overtake a fast but short-sighted implementation – both in time and money.

So here’s the real question: Do we just want to survive today or build a sustainable foundation for the future?