>> what skills are essential for embedded developers?
>> What sets them apart from desktop app programmers?

Good question for an interview, even just like that.

Embedded developers mostly need to be able to visualize how
the hardware behaves or misbehaves.  ("deeply embedded" here,
not "windows running in a kiosk"!)

Desktop app programmers mostly need to be able to
visualize how the users behave or misbehave.

BillW
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