Murphy compatible embedded systems updater

September 23, 2022

“If builders built buildings the way programmers wrote programs, then the first woodpecker that came along would destroy civilisation.”

Murphy’s Law of Technology #5

Introduction #

If you’ve ever used a modern computer, either Windows or MacOS, there’s a good chance you have come across the following message:

“Whatever happens, do not pull the plug or reboot this system until the update has been completed”.

Ignoring this instruction will, in a lot of cases, turn your device into a brick. It may no longer boot (the infamous “your PC has a problem” blue screen) or simply exhibit strange bugs from this point on. Now imagine that all the digital devices you possess, from your Amazon Smart-Fridge to your WiFi router, phone, or smartwatch, deal with this issue, and not all are immunised against it.