Friday, March 27, 2020

Building Linux Kernels

Once the proper compilers and utilities are installed, building a Linux kernel, kernel drivers and device drivers can be done fairly easy. Linux systems can be built from scratch using Linux from Scratch, Buildroot or Yocto. These products are open source and have default build and make files for building cross-platform targets on a number of host systems.

Linux from Scratch (LFS)

LFS uses scripts to build Linux completely from source code. You have to install the compilers manually using your package manager or other methods, such as Git or other scripts. LFS gives the highest degree of experience but has a steep learning curve if you are not familiar with building Linux from source code.

Buildroot

Buildroot automates Linux from scratch. With Buildroot, the developer uses scripts to set up the target architecture. Once set up, a series of automated menus walks the developer through build options. When the options are all set, a make file is created, and the standard make program is invoked with the target make file just created. The build process can take from a half hour to several hours, depending on build options. A complete Linux ISO file is put into a folder ready to copy to an SD card or hard disk for testing.

Yocto

Yocto is supported by a number of hardware manufacturers for developing custom Linux systems for custom hardware. Yocto uses a tool called BitBake and special formatted scripts to add or remove features from a compete Linux system. One major difference between Yocto and Buildroot is tools and scripting syntax. Buildroot uses stand Linux C and make file syntax, while Yocto uses special tools and syntax. Yocto has a steep learning curve, even if you are already familiar with stand script and C language conventions. Yocto has thousands of pages of documentation, so if you are going to use Yocto, be ready to hit the books.
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