What is the purpose of the delay() function, and how can it affect performance?
The delay() function is commonly used in embedded systems (e.g., Arduino , STM32 HAL, etc.) to pause program execution for a specified amount of time. Purpose of delay() Timing control : Wait for a fixed period (e.g., for sensor stabilization, LED blinking). Debouncing : Simple method to avoid bouncing effects in mechanical buttons. Synchronization : Temporarily pause until an external device or event is ready. Example in Arduino: cpp digitalWrite (LED_BUILTIN, HIGH); delay ( 1000 ); // wait 1 second digitalWrite (LED_BUILTIN, LOW); Impact on Performance 1. Blocking Behavior delay() is a blocking function. The CPU does nothing useful during the delay—it simply waits. It halts all other processing (unless using interrupts). 2. Wastes CPU Cycles In real-time applications, blocking delays can cause: Missed events Poor responsiveness Reduced system throughput 3. Not Scalable Long delays make it hard to maintain precise timing f...