printf() is not good for small embedded realtime systems!
Actually it is worse than malloc in many ways. Variable argument lists, very complex formatting, float number support when you don't need it etc etc. printf() comes with an enormous overhead, and the compiler will not be able to reduce it, as every parameter passed to it is evaluated in runtime.
printf() is perhaps ok for hobbyists and beginners still learning C. But if you are a professional programmer, you really ought to write your own serial monitor / LCD routines. You will dramatically improve the program performance and flash consumption.
