Preface

An embedded system is a device with a computer inside that doesn't look like a computer. Washing machines, televisions, printers, cars, aircraft, and robots are all controlled by a computer of some sort, and in some cases, more than one. As these devices become more complex, and as our expectations of the things that we can do with them expand, the need for a powerful operating system to control them grows.

Linux is only one component of the operating system. Many other components are needed to create a working system, from basic tools, such as a command shell, to graphical user interfaces, with web content and communicating with cloud services.

The Linux kernel together with an extensive range of other open source components allow you to build a system that can function in a wide range of roles.

The Linux kernel is at the heart of a large number of embedded products being designed today. Over the last 10 years, this operating system has developed from dominating the server market to being the most used operating system in embedded systems, even those with real-time requirements.

But at the same time, an embedded Linux product is not only the Linux kernel. Companies need to build an embedded system over the operating system, and that's where embedded Linux was finding it difficult to make its place—until Yocto arrived.

The Yocto Project brings all the benefits of Linux into the development of embedded systems. It provides a standard build system that allows you to develop embedded products in a quick, reliable, and controlled way.

What this learning path covers

Module 1, Learning Embedded Linux Using the Yocto, introduces you to embedded Linux software and hardware architecture, cross compiling, bootloader. You will also get an overview of the available Yocto Project components.

Module 2, Embedded Linux Projects Using Yocto Project, helps you set up and configure the Yocto Project tools. You will learn the methods to share source code and modifications

Module 3, Mastering Embedded Linux, takes you through the product cycle and gives you an in-depth description of the components and options that are available at each stage.

What you need for this learning path

Before reading this learning path, prior knowledge of embedded Linux and Yocto would be helpful, though not mandatory. In this learning path, a number of exercises are available, and to do them, a basic understanding of the GNU/Linux environment would be useful.

The examples have been tested with an Ubuntu 14.04 LTS system, but any Linux distribution supported by the Yocto Project can be used. Any piece of i.MX-based hardware can be used to follow the examples.

The versions of the main packages for the target are U-Boot 2015.07, Linux 4.1, Yocto Project 1.8 "Fido", and Buildroot 2015.08.

Who this learning path is for

If you are a developer who wants to build embedded systems using Linux, this learning path is for you. It is an ideal guide for you to become proficient and broaden your knowledge with examples that are immediately applicable to your embedded developments. A basic understanding of C programming and experience with systems programming is needed. Experienced embedded Yocto developers will find new insight into working methodologies and ARM specific development competence.

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