Before “burning a program” into a controller, we must do certain prerequisite operations with the program. Usually it is called “ burning software” into the controller. One of the important part in making an embedded system is loading the software/program we develop into the microcontroller. Microcontrollers are nothing without a Program in it.
Some real life examples of embedded systems may involve ticketing machines, vending machines, temperature controlling unit in air conditioners etc. You can call these applications embedded systems as it involves hardware (8051 microcontroller) and software (the code written in assembly language). If you are still wondering about an embedded system, just take a look at these circuit applications using 8051 microcontroller.
Embedded system means some combination of computer hardware and programmable software which is specially designed for a particular task like displaying message on LCD.