This is a primer on the development process for embedded systems designed to teach the specialised aspects of writing software in this enviroment that are not covered in standard coursework for software developers and electrical engineers. It traces the software and hardware methodologies and the intergration of the two disciplines in the lifecycle. The guide details the steps necessary for designing and producing embedded systems and discusses the key methods and technologies for each phase of the process: specification, partition, design, integration, validation, release, maintenance and upgrade.