> It would be much better if there were some kind of equally popular open source platform that focused on actual microcontrollers, with the associated focus on

> It would be much better if there were some kind of equally popular open source platform that focused on actual microcontrollers, with the associated focus on efficiency and performance. arduino is certainly a popular open source platform that uses a microcontroller, but it is increasingly distant from the practice of actual embedded work. in the unlikely event anyone is interested, i see embedded projects developed every day. STM32 parts with STM32CubeMX-generated projects using the HAL is quick, largely painless, and ships real projects on a regular basis. get a nucleo board. they're subsidized by ST so they're both more powerful than any arduino, and also cheaper.