Software Engineering for Real-time Systems, a three-volume book-set, aims to provide a firm foundation in the knowledge, skills and techniques needed to develop and produce real-time, and in particular, embedded systems. Their core purpose is to convince readers that these systems need to be engineered in a rigorous, professional and organised way. The objective of volume 1 is to give a good grounding in the basics of the subject. It begins by describing what real-time systems are, their structures and applications, and the impact of these on software design in general. Following this is a chapter that shows clearly why a professional design approach is imperative in order to produce safe, reliable and correct software. Next up is a chapter that deals with the issues of requirements extraction, analysis and specification, including the topics of rapid and animation prototyping. Rounding off volume 1 is a chapter that introduces the basic concepts of software and program design, including modularization, structured programming and mainstream software design methods The material, which forms the foundations for later work, is essential reading for those new to real-time software. Note for lecturers who adopt this book as a required course textbook.Supporting material is available, covering both exercises (Word) and course slides (PowerPoint). This is provided free of charge. For further information contact me at jcooling1942@gmail.com.The author: Jim Cooling has had many years experience in the area of real-time embedded systems, including electronic, software and system design, project management, consultancy, education and course development. He has published extensively on the subject, his books covering many aspects of embedded-systems work such as real-time interfacing, programming, software design and software engineering. Currently he is a partner in Lindentree Associates (which he formed in 1998), providing consultancy and training for real-time embedded systems. See: www.lindentreeuk.co.uk