How to embed JerryScript in a C application for IoT?

JerryScript provides a mature C API documented in the API Reference; you need to include the engine in your build, initialize it, and use functions like jerry_eval to execute JavaScript. Examples are available in the documentation for guidance.

JerryScript vs Duktape for microcontrollers?

JerryScript is optimized for minimal memory footprint with full ES5.1 compliance, while Duktape may offer different size and feature trade-offs. JerryScript is often preferred for strict resource constraints, but Duktape might be more flexible for some use cases.

Does JerryScript support ES6 modules?

No, JerryScript's module system is based on its own extension API, and it does not fully support ES6 modules due to limited ES2025 compliance. Developers must use the provided Module Extension API for modular code.

What's the memory usage of JerryScript on an Arduino?

JerryScript can run on devices with less than 64KB RAM and 200KB flash, but actual usage depends on the sketch and configuration. It's designed for low memory consumption, but you may need to optimize your code for specific boards like ESP32.

How to debug JavaScript code on JerryScript?

JerryScript includes a debugger with a transport interface, allowing remote debugging via documented protocols. Refer to the Debugger documentation for setup steps and usage examples.

Is JerryScript good for real-time applications?

JerryScript is optimized for low memory usage, not real-time performance; execution speed may be slower than native code. It's best for scripting tasks where memory is the primary constraint, not time-critical operations.

Open-Awesome

JerryScript

Apache-2.0Cv3.0.0

An ultra-lightweight JavaScript engine designed to run on microcontrollers and IoT devices with less than 64KB RAM.

Visit Website GitHub

7.4k stars691 forks0 contributors

What is JerryScript?

JerryScript is an ultra-lightweight JavaScript engine designed specifically for Internet of Things (IoT) devices and microcontrollers. It solves the problem of running JavaScript on extremely resource-constrained hardware with less than 64KB of RAM and 200KB of flash memory. The engine brings web development capabilities to embedded systems while maintaining ECMAScript compatibility.

Target Audience

Embedded systems developers, IoT engineers, and hardware programmers who want to use JavaScript on microcontrollers and resource-constrained devices.

Value Proposition

Developers choose JerryScript because it's the most memory-efficient JavaScript engine available for IoT devices, offering full ES5.1 compliance in a footprint small enough for microcontrollers. Its mature C API makes it easy to embed in existing C/C++ applications.

Overview

Ultra-lightweight JavaScript engine for the Internet of Things.

Use Cases

Best For

Running JavaScript on microcontrollers with limited memory
Adding scripting capabilities to IoT devices
Embedding JavaScript engines in resource-constrained C/C++ applications
Developing IoT applications with web technology stacks
Educational projects teaching JavaScript on hardware
Prototyping IoT devices with JavaScript interfaces

Not Ideal For

Projects requiring full ECMAScript 2025 or later features for modern JavaScript development
High-performance web or server-side applications where engines like V8 or Node.js are better suited
Development environments heavily reliant on npm packages and contemporary JavaScript tooling ecosystems
Teams needing extensive community support and quick troubleshooting for complex scripting issues

Pros & Cons

Pros

Full ES5.1 Compliance

Provides complete support for the ECMAScript 5.1 standard, ensuring broad JavaScript compatibility on resource-constrained devices without sacrificing core language features.

Minimal Memory Footprint

Optimized to run on devices with less than 64KB RAM and 200KB flash, with binary sizes as small as 258KB for ARM Thumb-2, making it ideal for microcontrollers.

High Portability

Written in C99, it can be easily ported across various microcontroller platforms and embedded systems, maximizing cross-platform compatibility.

Snapshot Support

Allows precompiling JavaScript source to bytecode for faster loading and reduced runtime memory usage, as highlighted in the key features.

Cons

Limited Modern JS Features

Only 70% compliant with ECMAScript 2025, missing key modern syntax and APIs like async/await or ES6 modules, which restricts development with newer JavaScript standards.

Niche Ecosystem

Focused on IoT, it lacks the extensive library and tooling support of mainstream JavaScript environments, making integration with npm packages or modern frameworks challenging.

Embedded Setup Complexity

Integrating with C/C++ applications requires familiarity with embedded development and the C API, which can be steep for developers accustomed to web or Node.js environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

imgui

Dear ImGui: Bloat-free Graphical User interface for C++ with minimal dependencies

Stars74,986

Forks11,931

Last commit16 hours ago

C/C++

A curated list of awesome C++ (or C) frameworks, libraries, resources, and shiny things. Inspired by awesome-... stuff.

Stars72,398

Forks8,320

Last commit5 days ago

ProtoBuf

Protocol Buffers - Google's data interchange format

Stars71,621

Forks16,200

Last commit4 hours ago

JSON for Modern C++

Stars50,198

Forks7,437

Last commit13 hours ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub