A real time operating system (RTOS) is a type of operating system designed for use in real time applications where tasks must be completed within a specific timeframe. It is typically used in systems that require precise and reliable operation, such as in industrial control systems, robotics, and avionics.
A good real time operating system should have features such as deterministic scheduling, real time task management, and interrupt handling. It should also have a small memory footprint, fast context switching, and support for multiple processors.
One highly recommended book is "Real-Time Concepts for Embedded Systems" by Qing Li and Caroline Yao. It covers key concepts such as real time scheduling, memory management, and device drivers, and provides practical examples and case studies.
C and C++ are commonly used for programming real time operating systems due to their low-level and efficient nature. However, there are also real time operating systems available for other languages and platforms such as Java, Ada, and ARM processors.
Knowledge of real time operating systems can be applied in various fields such as embedded systems, robotics, and aerospace engineering. It can also be useful for developing high performance and reliable systems in industries such as automotive, medical, and telecommunications.