MISRA C for critical systems sets new global standard

MISRA C:2012 extends support to the C99 version of the C language, while maintaining guidelines for C90, in addition to including improvements claimed to reduce the cost and complexity of compliance. It also helps with the consistent, safe use of C in critical systems. Steve Montgomery, chairman of the MISRA C working group, says improvements include: better rationales behind the guidelines; new systems to help users interpret checking tools' outputs; greater granularity of rules for more precise control; and expanded examples and integration of MISRA AC AGC. "More than 1,000 combined days and 250 years of expertise – all donated by leading figures across industry and academia – have gone into MISRA C:2012," states Montgomery. "The aim of everything we publish is always to base it on practical, real-world experience and to create something that is clear, versatile and practical," he adds, making the point that the MISRA Steering Group, includes 18 representatives from across manufacturers, component suppliers, tool vendors and consultancies. MISRA C was first created for the automotive industry in the 1990s when Ford Motor Company and Rover Group combined efforts to create a C language subset. It has since become the de facto standard for embedded C programming across the majority of safety-related industries, from aerospace to medical, and is also increasingly being used in organisations where security and reliability of critical systems are essential. For more information, click on the link below.