rpi4-osdev/part11-breakout-smp
Adam Greenwood-Byrne 447e41536a Final docs for part11
2021-02-24 20:53:00 +00:00
..
bin Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
boot Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
include Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
lib Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
breakout.c Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
breakout.h Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
breakout_comms.c Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
breakout_gfx.c Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
breakout_snd.c Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
Makefile Uploading multi-core version of Breakout as part11 2021-02-24 20:02:43 +00:00
README.md Final docs for part11 2021-02-24 20:53:00 +00:00

Writing a "bare metal" operating system for Raspberry Pi 4 (Part 11)

Putting it all together

Frankly, I'm unlikely to write much documentation for this part. I'm also only providing a Clang Makefile for now. If you're using gcc, have a go at putting your own Makefile together, referencing the previous parts.

This part simply builds on the work we've done so far, and delivers a new Breakout codebase with:

  • Gameplay running in the foreground on the main CPU core 0
  • Graphics updated in the background on CPU core 1
  • Looped 8-bit music playing in the background on CPU core 2
  • Bluetooth communications managed in the background on CPU core 3

I've taken the opportunity to organise the code a little better and so you'll see some changes to the Makefile, and a new directory structure in place. Tidy codebase = tidy mind!

Important takeaway

As you read through this code, you'll maybe notice that a very different style has emerged. Multi-processing adds a dimension of complexity when coding and requires a total mindset shift.

There's a lot more signalling/semaphores, so the cores can be sure they're doing the right thing at the right time.

You're no longer "dry-running" a single, sequential thread. You're having to spot the potential for bugs/unexpected behaviour from the interplay of four concurrent threads!

Good luck as you explore the code!

Progress video

Click on the picture below to watch a quick video of the game in action.

A video of the Breakout game in action

PS: Sorry for the bad audio quality - the game itself sounds great in real life, I promise!