Search icon CANCEL
Subscription
0
Cart icon
Your Cart (0 item)
Close icon
You have no products in your basket yet
Save more on your purchases now! discount-offer-chevron-icon
Savings automatically calculated. No voucher code required.
Arrow left icon
Explore Products
Best Sellers
New Releases
Books
Videos
Audiobooks
Learning Hub
Conferences
Free Learning
Arrow right icon
Learning Embedded Linux using the Yocto Project
Learning Embedded Linux using the Yocto Project

Learning Embedded Linux using the Yocto Project: Develop powerful embedded Linux systems with the Yocto Project components

Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Vaduva Jan Alexandru Profile Icon Alexandru Vaduva
Arrow right icon
$19.99 per month
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.3 (7 Ratings)
Paperback Jun 2015 334 pages 1st Edition
eBook
$27.98 $39.99
Paperback
$48.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
Arrow left icon
Profile Icon Vaduva Jan Alexandru Profile Icon Alexandru Vaduva
Arrow right icon
$19.99 per month
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.3 (7 Ratings)
Paperback Jun 2015 334 pages 1st Edition
eBook
$27.98 $39.99
Paperback
$48.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m
eBook
$27.98 $39.99
Paperback
$48.99
Subscription
Free Trial
Renews at $19.99p/m

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing
Table of content icon View table of contents Preview book icon Preview Book

Learning Embedded Linux using the Yocto Project

Chapter 2. Cross-compiling

In this chapter, you will learn about toolchains, how to use and customize them, and how code standards apply to them. A toolchain contains a myriad of tools, such as compilers, linkers, assemblers, debuggers, and a variety of miscellaneous utilities that help to manipulate the resulting application binaries. In this chapter, you will learn how to use the GNU toolchain and become familiar with its features. You will be presented with examples that will involve manual configurations, and at the same time, these examples will be moved to the Yocto Project environment. At the end of the chapter, an analysis will be made to identify the similarities and differences between manual and automatic deployment of a toolchain, and the various usage scenarios available for it.

Introducing toolchains

A toolchain represents a compiler and its associated utilities that are used with the purpose of producing kernels, drivers, and applications necessary for a specific target. A toolchain usually contains a set of tools that are usually linked to each other. It consists of gcc, glibc, binutils, or other optional tools, such as a debugger optional compiler, which is used for specific programming languages, such as C++, Ada, Java, Fortran, or Objective-C.

Usually a toolchain, which is available on a traditional desktop or server, executes on these machines and produces executables and libraries that are available and can run on the same system. A toolchain that is normally used for an embedded development environment is called is a cross toolchain. In this case, programs, such as gcc, run on the host system for a specific target architecture, for which it produces a binary code. This whole process is referred to as cross-compilation, and it is the most common way to...

Components of toolchains

The GNU toolchain is a term used for a collection of programming tools under the GNU Project umbrella. This suite of tools is what is normally called a toolchain, and is used for the development of applications and operating systems. It plays an important role in the development of embedded systems and Linux systems, in particular.

The following projects are included in the GNU toolchain:

  • GNU make: This represents an automation tool used for compilation and build
  • GNU Compiler Collection (GCC): This represents a compiler's suite that is used for a number of available programming languages
  • GNU Binutils: This contains tools, such as linkers, assemblers, and so on - these tools are able to manipulate binaries
  • GNU Bison: This is a parser generator
  • GNU Debugger (GDB): This is a code debugging tool
  • GNU m4: This is an m4 macro processor
  • GNU build system (autotools): This consists of the following:
    • Autoconf
    • Autoheaders
    • Automake
    • Libtool

The projects included in the toolchain is described...

Delving into C libraries

The first library that we'll discuss here is the glibc library, which is designed for performance, compliance of standards, and portability. It was developed by the Free Software Foundation for the GNU/Linux operating system and is still present today on all GNU/Linux host systems that are actively maintained. It was released under the GNU Lesser General Public License.

The glibc library was initially written by Roland McGrath in the 1980s and it continued to grow until the 1990s when the Linux kernel forked glibc, calling it Linux libc. It was maintained separately until January 1997 when the Free Software Foundation released glibc 2.0. The glibc 2.0 contained so many features that it did not make any sense to continue the development of Linux libc, so they discontinued their fork and returned to using glibc. There are changes that are made in Linux libc that were not merged into glibc because of problems with the authorship of the code.

The glibc library is...

Working with toolchains

When generating a toolchain, the first thing that needs to be done is the establishment of an ABI used to generate binaries. This means that the kernel needs to understand this ABI and, at the same time, all the binaries in the system need to be compiled with the same ABI.

When working with the GNU toolchain, a good source of gathering information and understanding the ways in which work is done with these tools is to consult the GNU coding standards. The coding standard's purposes are very simple: to make sure that the work with the GNU ecosystem is performed in a clean, easy, and consistent manner. This is a guideline that needs to be used by people interested in working with GNU tools to write reliable, solid, and portable software. The main focus of the GNU toolchain is represented by the C language, but the rules applied here are also very useful for any programming languages. The purpose of each rule is explained by making sure that the logic behind the...

The Yocto Project reference

As I have mentioned, the major advantage and available feature of the Yocto Project environment is represented by the fact that a Yocto Project build does not use the host available packages, but builds and uses its own packages. This is done to make sure that a change in the host environment does not influence its available packages and that builds are made to generate a custom Linux system. A toolchain is one of the components because almost all packages that are constituents of a Linux distribution need the usage of toolchain components.

The first step for the Yocto Project is to identify the exact sources and packages that will be combined to generate the toolchain that will be used by later built packages, such as U-Boot bootloader, kernel, BusyBox and others. In this book, the sources that will be discussed are the ones available inside the dizzy branch, the latest poky 12.0 version, and the Yocto Project version 1.7. The sources can be gathered using the...

Introducing toolchains


A toolchain represents a compiler and its associated utilities that are used with the purpose of producing kernels, drivers, and applications necessary for a specific target. A toolchain usually contains a set of tools that are usually linked to each other. It consists of gcc, glibc, binutils, or other optional tools, such as a debugger optional compiler, which is used for specific programming languages, such as C++, Ada, Java, Fortran, or Objective-C.

Usually a toolchain, which is available on a traditional desktop or server, executes on these machines and produces executables and libraries that are available and can run on the same system. A toolchain that is normally used for an embedded development environment is called is a cross toolchain. In this case, programs, such as gcc, run on the host system for a specific target architecture, for which it produces a binary code. This whole process is referred to as cross-compilation, and it is the most common way to build...

Left arrow icon Right arrow icon

Description

If you are a Yocto and Linux enthusiast who wants to build embedded Linux systems but do not have the knowledge to do it, this is the book for you. It will also help those of you who have a bit of knowledge about Linux and the embedded world and are keen on learning more about the technology. This book will provide you with the skills needed to successfully interact with the Yocto Project components regardless of the fact that you are new to embedded development or an expert.

Who is this book for?

If you are a Yocto and Linux enthusiast who wants to build embedded Linux systems but do not have the knowledge to do it, this is the book for you. It will also help those of you who have a bit of knowledge about Linux and the embedded world and are keen on learning more about the technology. This book will provide you with the skills needed to successfully interact with the Yocto Project components regardless of the fact that you are new to embedded development or an expert.

What you will learn

  • Interact with and customize the bootloader for a board
  • Use the Yocto Project in the embedded Linux development process
  • Familiarize yourself with and customize the bootloader for a board
  • Explore and work with toolchain components such as binutils, gcc, glibc (C libraries), and kernel headers
  • Interact with a root filesystem for your project and also with meta layers
  • Discover more about realtime layer, security, virtualization, CGL, and LSB
  • Identify the Yocto Project components such as Eclipse ADT plugins, and Toaster

Product Details

Country selected
Publication date, Length, Edition, Language, ISBN-13
Publication date : Jun 30, 2015
Length: 334 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784397395
Vendor :
Linux Foundation
Category :
Languages :
Tools :

What do you get with a Packt Subscription?

Free for first 7 days. $19.99 p/m after that. Cancel any time!
Product feature icon Unlimited ad-free access to the largest independent learning library in tech. Access this title and thousands more!
Product feature icon 50+ new titles added per month, including many first-to-market concepts and exclusive early access to books as they are being written.
Product feature icon Innovative learning tools, including AI book assistants, code context explainers, and text-to-speech.
Product feature icon Thousands of reference materials covering every tech concept you need to stay up to date.
Subscribe now
View plans & pricing

Product Details

Publication date : Jun 30, 2015
Length: 334 pages
Edition : 1st
Language : English
ISBN-13 : 9781784397395
Vendor :
Linux Foundation
Category :
Languages :
Tools :

Packt Subscriptions

See our plans and pricing
Modal Close icon
$19.99 billed monthly
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Simple pricing, no contract
$199.99 billed annually
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts
$279.99 billed in 18 months
Feature tick icon Unlimited access to Packt's library of 7,000+ practical books and videos
Feature tick icon Constantly refreshed with 50+ new titles a month
Feature tick icon Exclusive Early access to books as they're written
Feature tick icon Solve problems while you work with advanced search and reference features
Feature tick icon Offline reading on the mobile app
Feature tick icon Choose a DRM-free eBook or Video every month to keep
Feature tick icon PLUS own as many other DRM-free eBooks or Videos as you like for just $5 each
Feature tick icon Exclusive print discounts

Frequently bought together


Stars icon
Total $ 130.97
Embedded Linux Development with Yocto Project
$26.99
Embedded Linux Projects Using Yocto Project Cookbook
$54.99
Learning Embedded Linux using the Yocto Project
$48.99
Total $ 130.97 Stars icon

Table of Contents

14 Chapters
1. Introduction Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
2. Cross-compiling Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
3. Bootloaders Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
4. Linux Kernel Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
5. The Linux Root Filesystem Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
6. Components of the Yocto Project Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
7. ADT Eclipse Plug-ins Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
8. Hob, Toaster, and Autobuilder Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
9. Wic and Other Tools Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
10. Real-time Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
11. Security Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
12. Virtualization Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
13. CGL and LSB Chevron down icon Chevron up icon
Index Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Customer reviews

Top Reviews
Rating distribution
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Empty star icon 3.3
(7 Ratings)
5 star 28.6%
4 star 14.3%
3 star 14.3%
2 star 42.9%
1 star 0%
Filter icon Filter
Top Reviews

Filter reviews by




Daiane Aug 13, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
This is *not* an Yocto Project's book. It is a Embedded Linux book yocto project flavored. And it is a very well explained embedded linux book.The content is for beginners, as it explain some basic concepts, and introduce very well why it's different to work with embedded linux. And having all this embedded world flavored with Yocto Project's tools is really the best.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Maruko May 30, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon 5
I found this book useful to extend my knowledge.Unfortunately I noticed a lot of pictures taken from Creative Common presentations without any reference to the original source.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Alexandre B Aug 13, 2015
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon 4
This is book gives an overview of the full embedded Linux system integration, from the bootloader to the application. It is quite generic and only uses Yocto Project to illustrate the concepts which is great for beginners. A good follow up for in depth coverage is "Embedded Linux Development with Yocto Project" and will fit more advanced developers.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Neto Sep 08, 2017
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 3
Its ok. Somehow I feel most of it is already out there in the Yocto manuals and linux docs but package for you convenience
Amazon Verified review Amazon
obie1somebody Mar 30, 2016
Full star icon Full star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon Empty star icon 2
This book is so badly edited that it is distracting. The author consistently uses language incorrectly and inaccurately where simpler more concise statements would suffice. Reading this book feels like translating rough English to English. It shouldn't be published yet.
Amazon Verified review Amazon
Get free access to Packt library with over 7500+ books and video courses for 7 days!
Start Free Trial

FAQs

What is included in a Packt subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

A subscription provides you with full access to view all Packt and licnesed content online, this includes exclusive access to Early Access titles. Depending on the tier chosen you can also earn credits and discounts to use for owning content

How can I cancel my subscription? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

To cancel your subscription with us simply go to the account page - found in the top right of the page or at https://subscription.packtpub.com/my-account/subscription - From here you will see the ‘cancel subscription’ button in the grey box with your subscription information in.

What are credits? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Credits can be earned from reading 40 section of any title within the payment cycle - a month starting from the day of subscription payment. You also earn a Credit every month if you subscribe to our annual or 18 month plans. Credits can be used to buy books DRM free, the same way that you would pay for a book. Your credits can be found in the subscription homepage - subscription.packtpub.com - clicking on ‘the my’ library dropdown and selecting ‘credits’.

What happens if an Early Access Course is cancelled? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Projects are rarely cancelled, but sometimes it's unavoidable. If an Early Access course is cancelled or excessively delayed, you can exchange your purchase for another course. For further details, please contact us here.

Where can I send feedback about an Early Access title? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

If you have any feedback about the product you're reading, or Early Access in general, then please fill out a contact form here and we'll make sure the feedback gets to the right team. 

Can I download the code files for Early Access titles? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We try to ensure that all books in Early Access have code available to use, download, and fork on GitHub. This helps us be more agile in the development of the book, and helps keep the often changing code base of new versions and new technologies as up to date as possible. Unfortunately, however, there will be rare cases when it is not possible for us to have downloadable code samples available until publication.

When we publish the book, the code files will also be available to download from the Packt website.

How accurate is the publication date? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

The publication date is as accurate as we can be at any point in the project. Unfortunately, delays can happen. Often those delays are out of our control, such as changes to the technology code base or delays in the tech release. We do our best to give you an accurate estimate of the publication date at any given time, and as more chapters are delivered, the more accurate the delivery date will become.

How will I know when new chapters are ready? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

We'll let you know every time there has been an update to a course that you've bought in Early Access. You'll get an email to let you know there has been a new chapter, or a change to a previous chapter. The new chapters are automatically added to your account, so you can also check back there any time you're ready and download or read them online.

I am a Packt subscriber, do I get Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Yes, all Early Access content is fully available through your subscription. You will need to have a paid for or active trial subscription in order to access all titles.

How is Early Access delivered? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is currently only available as a PDF or through our online reader. As we make changes or add new chapters, the files in your Packt account will be updated so you can download them again or view them online immediately.

How do I buy Early Access content? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Early Access is a way of us getting our content to you quicker, but the method of buying the Early Access course is still the same. Just find the course you want to buy, go through the check-out steps, and you’ll get a confirmation email from us with information and a link to the relevant Early Access courses.

What is Early Access? Chevron down icon Chevron up icon

Keeping up to date with the latest technology is difficult; new versions, new frameworks, new techniques. This feature gives you a head-start to our content, as it's being created. With Early Access you'll receive each chapter as it's written, and get regular updates throughout the product's development, as well as the final course as soon as it's ready.We created Early Access as a means of giving you the information you need, as soon as it's available. As we go through the process of developing a course, 99% of it can be ready but we can't publish until that last 1% falls in to place. Early Access helps to unlock the potential of our content early, to help you start your learning when you need it most. You not only get access to every chapter as it's delivered, edited, and updated, but you'll also get the finalized, DRM-free product to download in any format you want when it's published. As a member of Packt, you'll also be eligible for our exclusive offers, including a free course every day, and discounts on new and popular titles.