Embedded C is a subset of the C programming language used for embedded systems that excludes large features and focuses on efficiency; it uses preprocessor directives, handles variables in local and global scopes, and can pass parameters by value or reference. Embedded C++ further restricts C++ for embedded use by removing features like multiple inheritance and runtime type identification. The document discusses optimizing embedded C and C++ code, common patterns like super loop architectures, and guidelines for writing embedded C code.