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Mastering Embedded Linux Programming

You're reading from   Mastering Embedded Linux Programming Create fast and reliable embedded solutions with Linux 5.4 and the Yocto Project 3.1 (Dunfell)

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Product type Paperback
Published in May 2021
Publisher Packt
ISBN-13 9781789530384
Length 758 pages
Edition 3rd Edition
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Authors (2):
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Frank Vasquez Frank Vasquez
Author Profile Icon Frank Vasquez
Frank Vasquez
Mr. Chris Simmonds Mr. Chris Simmonds
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Mr. Chris Simmonds
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Table of Contents (27) Chapters Close

Preface 1. Section 1: Elements of Embedded Linux
2. Chapter 1: Starting Out FREE CHAPTER 3. Chapter 2: Learning about Toolchains 4. Chapter 3: All about Bootloaders 5. Chapter 4: Configuring and Building the Kernel 6. Chapter 5: Building a Root Filesystem 7. Chapter 6: Selecting a Build System 8. Chapter 7: Developing with Yocto 9. Chapter 8: Yocto Under the Hood 10. Section 2: System Architecture and Design Decisions
11. Chapter 9: Creating a Storage Strategy 12. Chapter 10: Updating Software in the Field 13. Chapter 11: Interfacing with Device Drivers 14. Chapter 12: Prototyping with Breakout Boards 15. Chapter 13: Starting Up – The init Program 16. Chapter 14: Starting with BusyBox runit 17. Chapter 15: Managing Power 18. Section 3: Writing Embedded Applications
19. Chapter 16: Packaging Python 20. Chapter 17: Learning about Processes and Threads 21. Chapter 18: Managing Memory 22. Section 4: Debugging and Optimizing Performance
23. Chapter 19: Debugging with GDB 24. Chapter 20: Profiling and Tracing 25. Chapter 21: Real-Time Programming 26. Other Books You May Enjoy

When not to choose Linux

Is Linux suitable for your project? Linux works well where the problem being solved justifies the complexity. It is especially good where connectivity, robustness, and complex user interfaces are required. However, it cannot solve every problem, so here are some things to consider before you jump in:

  • Is your hardware up to the job? Compared to a traditional real-time operating system (RTOS) such as VxWorks or QNX, Linux requires a lot more resources. It needs at least a 32-bit processor and lots more memory. I will go into more detail in the section on typical hardware requirements.
  • Do you have the right skill set? The early parts of a project, board bring-up, require detailed knowledge of Linux and how it relates to your hardware. Likewise, when debugging and tuning your application, you will need to be able to interpret the results. If you don't have the skills in-house, you may want to outsource some of the work. Of course, reading this book helps!
  • Is your system real-time? Linux can handle many real-time activities so long as
    you pay attention to certain details, which I will cover in detail in Chapter 21,
    Real-Time Programming.
  • Will your code require regulatory approval (medical, automotive, aerospace, and so on)? The burden of regulatory verification and validation might make another OS a better choice. Even if you do choose Linux for use in these environments, it may make sense to purchase a commercially available distribution from a company that has supplied Linux for existing products, like the one you are building.

Consider these points carefully. Probably the best indicator of success is to look around for similar products that run Linux and see how they have done it; follow best practice.

You have been reading a chapter from
Mastering Embedded Linux Programming - Third Edition
Published in: May 2021
Publisher: Packt
ISBN-13: 9781789530384
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