Embedded Linux Primer

Providing guidance for embedded developers, this book demonstrates how to build an effective embedded Linux environment, and shows how to use it productively. It begins by touring a typical Linux-based embedded system, introducing key concepts and components, and also talks about the differences between Linux and traditional embedded environments.

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Comprehensive Real-World Guidance for Every Embedded Developer and Engineer

This book brings together indispensable knowledge for building efficient, high-value, Linux-based embedded products: information that has never been assembled in one place before. Drawing on years of experience as an embedded Linux consultant and field application engineer, Christopher Hallinan offers solutions for the specific technical issues you’re most likely to face, demonstrates how to build an effective embedded Linux environment, and shows how to use it as productively as possible.

 

Hallinan begins by touring a typical Linux-based embedded system, introducing key concepts and components, and calling attention to differences between Linux and traditional embedded environments. Writing from the embedded developer’s viewpoint, he thoroughly addresses issues ranging from kernel building and initialization to bootloaders, device drivers to file systems.

 

Hallinan thoroughly covers the increasingly popular BusyBox utilities; presents a step-by-step walkthrough of porting Linux to custom boards; and introduces real-time configuration via CONFIG_RT--one of today’s most exciting developments in embedded Linux. You’ll find especially detailed coverage of using development tools to analyze and debug embedded systems--including the art of kernel debugging.

 



Compare leading embedded Linux processors
Understand the details of the Linux kernel initialization process
Learn about the special role of bootloaders in embedded Linux systems, with specific emphasis on U-Boot
Use embedded Linux file systems, including JFFS2--with detailed guidelines for building Flash-resident file system images
Understand the Memory Technology Devices subsystem for flash (and other) memory devices
Master gdb, KGDB, and hardware JTAG debugging
Learn many tips and techniques for debugging within the Linux kernel
Maximize your productivity in cross-development environments
Prepare your entire development environment, including TFTP, DHCP, and NFS target servers
Configure, build, and initialize BusyBox to support your unique requirements

 

About the Author

Christopher Hallinan, field applications engineer at MontaVista software, has worked for more than 20 years in assignments ranging from engineering and engineering management to marketing and business development. He spent four years as an independent development consultant in the embedded Linux marketplace. His work has appeared in magazines, including Telecommunications Magazine, Fiber Optics Magazine, and Aviation Digest.