Unfortunately, power and flexibility are achieved at a cost – software
development for the STM32 family can be extremely challenging for the uninitiated
with a vast array of documentation and software libraries to wade
through. For example, RM0041, the reference manual for large value-line
STM32 F1 devices, is 675 pages and does not even cover the Cortex-M3 processor
core ! Fortunately, it is not necessary to read this book to get started
with developing software for the STM32, although it is an important reference.
In addition, a beginner is faced with many tool-chain choices.