Dynamic loading of code (libraries and/or programs)

[robotman2412]

I have a proof-of-concept/testing project where I have an ESP32-C6 load code from an ELF file into RAM.

Theoretically, it should already work for an ESP32-C3 because both are RISC-V.
It is also possible to port this system to one of the esp32-S* series because they too can load code into RAM.

Dynamic loading of programs can allow:

• A program running in the background
  • Something that might be waiting for notifications
  • A program that animates lights on an SAO
• Tiny file sizes for programs
• Apps can load from FATFS instead of multiboot

Dynamic loading of libraries can allow:

• Hardware to be reconfigured without recompiling apps
• Updates to system libraries without recompiling apps

A feature like this is, in my opinion, best suited to the ESP32-C6.
Due to its RISC-V core, code can theoretically be made to have forward-compatibility, which is much harder to do on Xtensa-based ESPs like ESP32-S* series.
The ESP32-C3 can also do this but the C6 has more hardware features.

[robotman2412]

I have since made major progress in the usability of my demo and I believe that it will be feasible to implement this on an actual badge.
The apps will be able to use the C standard library as well as freestanding C++ (so no C++ standard library) and there will be abstraction layers for every major feature of the badge so that apps may be run on future hardware without recompilation.

[renzenicolai]

(Added to design document)