Embedded computing began in the early 1960’s and the first mass-produced embedded system consisted of transistor logic and a hard disk used for the memory.  Calculators were designed with embedded computing along with other small systems that were some of the first commercial products being built.  Embedded computing instructions need little computer hardware resources such as minimal memory.  These instructions can sometimes be updated later. Soon after embedded computing became a large interest to the engineering community.  Microcontrollers assisted in the continued growth of embedded systems after engineers in 1978 released programmable microcontrollers as a standard.