I currently have 2 in system programming (also acting as bootloaders) designs done up in 8051 assembly but would like to recode them in C. I'm unsure how one goes about doing this based upon the runtime constraints placed on the user when using C.
We use "bootloaders" a lot. Usually it is because the systems being downloaded are in a multi-drop environment and the in-chip ISP code doesn't handle the enable on the transmitter. In addition, our users are not programmers ... often barely computer literate. Using programs like FlashMagic is much to dangerous (if you specify the wrong chip type it can destroy the micro). We generally have a simple download application run on a PC. The details of erasing memory, setting option bits, and restarting after download are left to the "bootloader".
Using programs like FlashMagic is much to dangerous (if you specify the wrong chip type it can destroy the micro). If you use FM in commandline mode you can create a 'push the button" application. Of course NoTouch will be needed as well. Erik