So far, software development for microprocessors and the design of digital systems with programmable logic devices have largely evolved independently of each other. However, both disciplines can benefit from each other. On one hand, proven, effective software development methods can be utilized for programming FPGAs. On the other hand, FPGAs open up previously unimaginable dimensions of parallel computing power for software developers. The advantages of both computing worlds come together in mixed embedded systems that offer high flexibility and computing performance. Starting from a comparison of computing machines and software development methods with the design of digital circuits, this book presents various approaches to a unified methodology for developing hybrid systems from microprocessors and FPGAs. The work is well-structured and covers an extremely broad range of topics.