What is embedded Linux? understand deeper

Title: Exploring Embedded Linux: What is Embedded Linux and Its Applications

Embedded systems usually refer to computer systems designed for specific application fields. They are often used to be embedded in devices or systems to perform specific functions or tasks. Embedded Linux is a version of the Linux operating system that runs on embedded systems. As an open source operating system, Linux is widely used in embedded devices, providing stability, flexibility and powerful functions.

1. Characteristics of Embedded Linux

(1) High flexibility and customization

Embedded Linux can be customized according to specific needs and remove unnecessary functions , streamline the kernel, making the system more lightweight and efficient.

(2) Good portability

The Linux kernel can be easily ported to a variety of different hardware platforms, which makes developing embedded systems more flexible.

(3) A large number of open source software support

Linux has a huge open source community support, providing a wealth of software packages and tools, which can quickly and easily develop various applications.

2. Application fields of embedded Linux

(1) Smart home

Embedded Linux can be used for smart home devices, such as smart speakers, smart door locks, etc., to achieve Intelligent control and connected functions.

(2) Industrial Control

In fields such as factory automation and Internet of Things equipment, embedded Linux is also widely used to implement functions such as monitoring, control, and data processing.

(3) Smart wearable devices

Embedded Linux can be used in wearable devices such as smart watches and smart glasses to implement various health monitoring and smart notification functions.

3. Basic architecture and code examples of embedded Linux

The basic architecture of embedded Linux includes the kernel, bootloader and root file system. In embedded systems, a cross-compiler is generally used to compile on a PC to generate an executable file that can run on the target device.

(1) Compile Linux kernel

You can compile a customized Linux kernel through a cross-compiler and strip off unnecessary modules to reduce the kernel size and improve performance.

make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf-menuconfig
make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf-zImage

(2) Compile Bootloader

Bootloader is a program that boots the embedded Linux kernel. Commonly used Bootloaders include U-Boot and so on.

make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf-menuconfig
make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf- u-boot.bin

(3) Build the root file system

The root file system includes the file system structure and required applications, generally Built using lightweight tools like BusyBox.

mkdir rootfs
cd rootfs
wget http://busybox.net/downloads/busybox-1.30.0.tar.bz2
tar -xvf busybox-1.30.0.tar.bz2
cd busybox-1.30.0
make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf-menuconfig
make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf-
make ARCH=arm CROSS_COMPILE=arm-linux-gnueabihf- CONFIG_PREFIX=/path/to/rootfs install

Conclusion

As a flexible and powerful embedded system solution, embedded Linux is widely Used in various fields. By customizing the Linux kernel, bootloader and root file system, you can build an embedded system suitable for specific scenarios. In the evolving Internet of Things era, embedded Linux will continue to play an important role in promoting the development of various smart devices.

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