Building Embedded Linux Systems

Linux® is increasingly favored by embedded systems developers due to its advanced scheduling, networking capabilities, cost-free license, open development model, and robust programming tools. Despite the hype, practical information on using Linux in embedded systems is scarce. This comprehensive guide offers essential insights into creating an embedded system based on the Linux kernel, featuring previously undocumented procedures for various tasks. Readers will learn to build a GNU development toolchain, utilize an efficient embedded development framework, configure and install a target-specific kernel, and create a complete target root filesystem. The book also covers setting up and using solid-state storage devices, installing and configuring a bootloader, cross-compiling utilities, and debugging embedded systems with diverse tools and techniques. It addresses various target architectures and hardware configurations, detailing Linux's support for embedded hardware while relying on open source and free software packages. By guiding readers through building operating system components from scratch and locating additional documentation, this resource simplifies maintaining control over embedded operating systems for both technical and financial reasons. Author Karim Yaghmour, a recognized designer and speaker, discusses Linux's strengths and weaknesses, licensing issues, and the configuration of over forty open source packages