Automotive Software Development
Code Security
Amartya Jha
• 23 December 2024
Software for cars isn’t just about making things work. From ADAS to autonomous driving, software for cars needs some high bar and that is where AUTOSAR C++14 steps in.
As a developer who is starting to get into embedded systems, understanding these coding guidelines is important. In this simple guide, we will take a look at how AUTOSAR’s rules ensure your code is ready for the road.
Let's dive in.
Building software for cars is a lot of work and you need to work on creating lifesaving software. For this, specifically, traditional C is not right because of the complex and adaptive systems cars need today.
C++14 comes with some great features that give a balance between speed and safety.
Older standards, like C++98 or even C++11, were great in their time, but they are clunky when working with modern automotive needs like adaptive cruise control or ADAS.
C++14 brings improvements like type inference and lambda expressions that make it easier to read and develop faster.
This is where byte and cycle matter in embedded systems, using C++14 is like giving an upgrade. It is not about features; it is about being smarter with the latest tools. And that’s a big deal when you’re writing software for systems that people trust with their lives.
You guys now know that the AUTOSAR C++14 coding guidelines are like a traffic rulebook for automotive software development, trying to make sure that everything runs smoothly, safely, and without surprises.
But what are these guidelines exactly?
The AUTOSAR or Automotive Open System Architecture C++14 coding guidelines provide a structured set of rules for writing safe, maintainable, and reliable software for vehicles. Think of them as best practices tailored specifically for C++14, designed to:
Prevent undefined behaviors that could lead to accidents or malfunctions.
Make your code so clean that even someone new to the project can understand it.
Ensure that your code can evolve without turning into a mess.
These guidelines are a critical part of complying with ISO 26262—a safety standard for road vehicles.
The AUTOSAR C++14 guidelines are comprehensive and cover multiple aspects:
Language-Specific Rules:
Focus on avoiding dangerous features of C++, such as implicit type conversions or unbounded loops.
Using features introduced in C++14, like smart pointers, to manage memory safely.
Static Code Analysis:
Ensures that code adheres to the rules through automated tools (like codeant.ai), catching errors early in the development process.
Coding Style and Structure:
Guidelines for consistent indentation, naming conventions, and file organization. Clean code = happy team.
Memory Management:
Rules for safely allocating and deallocating memory so the risk of memory leaks or crashes can be avoided.
Error Handling:
Promote the use of exceptions or error codes to handle unexpected conditions.
We have an idea of why AUTOSAR C++14 guidelines are important for developers working with high-end embedded microcontrollers.
Let's see its key aspects.
AUTOSAR C++14 has a very clear classification system. Rules are categorized as either 'required' or 'advisory' for a straightforward understanding of which guidelines are non-negotiable and which offer more flexibility.
This helps developers prioritize their coding practices and maintain a balance between strict adherence and practical implementation.
With a crazy 342 rule, AUTOSAR C++14 leaves nothing. These guidelines cover a wide range of coding scenarios, helping developers with a detailed roadmap for writing efficient, maintainable, and secure code.
From memory management to error handling, these rules contain most of the things to improve code quality and reduce potential bugs.
Let’s place AUTOSAR C++14 with other coding standards like MISRA C++ or ISO/IEC guidelines.
AUTOSAR C++14 vs. MISRA C++
Focus on Modern C++: While MISRA C++ feels rooted in older C++ standards, AUTOSAR C++14 comes with features like constexpr functions and smart pointers.
Flexibility: MISRA is often criticized for being overly restrictive and creating frustration among developers. AUTOSAR C++14 offers the right balance comparatively.
Tailored for Cars: MISRA serves a broader range of industries, while AUTOSAR zooms in on the specific needs of automotive systems, like handling real-time operations and complex sensor integrations.
AUTOSAR C++14 vs. ISO/IEC Guidelines
Broad vs. Specific: ISO/IEC guidelines are great for general coding practices, but AUTOSAR dives deep into the intricacies of automotive systems, from multi-threading safety to secure communication between ECUs (Electronic Control Units).
Compliance Support: AUTOSAR is heavily backed by tools designed for automated compliance checks, which ISO/IEC doesn’t emphasize as much.
So yes, AUTOSAR C++14 is team-friendly and is built for the future.
AUTOSAR doesn’t hand you a compliance blueprint as MISRA does. But don’t worry, there’s a way forward. Let me break it down for you in simple terms.
In an automotive world where lives depend on your work, AUTOSAR C++14 rules help you make your software safer, more reliable, and easier to maintain.
AUTOSAR doesn’t give you a step-by-step manual for becoming compliant. But the good news? Its rules are based on MISRA C++ 2008, and MISRA has a pretty clear compliance process.
So, we can borrow a few ideas.
Think of a compliance matrix as your playbook. For each AUTOSAR guideline, note down:
How will you enforce it? (Tool, review, or both?)
What happens if the tool can’t catch it?
For example: Smart pointers might pass your static analysis tool’s checks, but certain runtime behaviors might need manual reviews. Tools are great, but they can’t catch everything.
Having this matrix upfront will make sure that you don’t miss anything and make audits way smoother.
Let’s be real—not all rules make sense for all projects. Deviating from guidelines is fine, as long as you handle it right.
Write it down: Every time you break a rule, explain why.
Get approval: Have a sign-off system to keep things official.
Stay organized: Keep a log of all deviations for accountability.
It helps you with decision-making in the long run.
You need processes that work every day, as compliance is not a one-time thing.
Automating rule enforcement with tools (e.g., static analyzers).
Setting up code reviews for rules tools can’t be checked.
Training your team to recognize and handle exceptions.
So you can focus more on coding.
AUTOSAR doesn’t hand out a compliance guide, but MISRA does.
And while AUTOSAR isn’t exactly the same, MISRA’s framework—like maintaining a compliance matrix or formalizing deviations—can give you an initial start.
Let us share some resources and tools that can help you save time and build more.
These tools automate compliance checks, identify violations, and suggest fixes.
Codeant.ai: AI Platform to fix code quality, code review, and find vulnerabilities.
Polyspace by MathWorks: A popular tool for static code analysis that supports AUTOSAR guidelines.
Parasoft C/C++test: A robust testing and analysis tool that integrates seamlessly with AUTOSAR development environments.
Klocwork: A static analysis tool known for its extensive rule sets, including support for AUTOSAR C++14. It’s highly scalable and suitable for large code bases.
Polarion ALM (Application Lifecycle Management): A tool for managing compliance artifacts, deviation logs, and guideline enforcement plans in one place.
Helix ALM by Perforce: helps you track compliance progress, manage deviations, and maintain traceability across all AUTOSAR guidelines.
Many companies provide specialized tools for integrating AUTOSAR C++14 into real-world projects.
Vector Informatik Tools: Offers comprehensive tools for AUTOSAR development, including system design, testing, and rule compliance checks.
EB tresos Studio: A development platform specifically designed for AUTOSAR configurations. It simplifies the generation of compliant code.
Mastering AUTOSAR C++14 isn’t just about learning a set of guidelines; it’s about building a mindset for creating safe, efficient, and scalable software in an industry where precision is non-negotiable.
And then there are tools like Codeant.ai, which are transforming how we approach static analysis and compliance. By automating tedious tasks and providing actionable insights, Codeant.ai empowers you to focus on writing high-quality code while ensuring you stay aligned with the latest standards.
Happy Driving, sorry Coding 😀
