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Custom Linux Distributions - Posted to The Art of Open Source by Nick on January 29th, 2010

On Tue I gave a talk at RTECC Santa Clara about a source-based approach to embedded Linux. The gist of the talk was based on a few points: Standardized distributions don't provide complete solutions for embedded developers Embedded developers heavily customize - add/remove/modify many elements in the software stack Every device is unique, every software stack is a Custom Linux Distribution A codified (standardized, programmatic) method for defining a CLD improves efficiency Bitbake (the tool, not OE the distro) is a step in the right direction for such a standard The audience was mostly senior engineers, and I saw a lot of heads nodding as I introduced the first couple of points. It's been my experience that senior engineers usually end up building and maintaining the glue-ware infrastructure for putting together a CLD. When I got into the bitbake portion of the talk I had to clarify that I was talking about bitbake-the-tool, not bitbake-plus-openembedded-distribution. This was clarified when I showed how we do this in MVL6. Overall there was a warm response to the notion of providing a standardized way of creating a CLD, but even separating bitbake from the OE distro requires some work. Open source hasn't quite solved the.. (Read More)

Basics of Programming Embedded Processors - Posted to Playing Developer\'s Advocate by Jefro on January 25th, 2010

Embedded magazine has produced an excellent multi-part article on the basics of programming embedded processors, all excerpts from Wayne Wolf's book Computers As Components: Principles of Embedded Computing Systems Design . This is exactly the kind of educational material for which Embedded is known, and which is badly needed. Also, don't miss their article on embedded programming in C, which is evidently becoming a lost art (not in my sphere!). .. (Read More)

Open Device, Insert Code is no longer active - Posted to Open Device, Insert Code by Admin on August 17th, 2009

Open Device, Insert Code is no longer an active blog, but, we felt there was a lot of great information here and didn’t want to take it down. We’ve left the archives for you to read through and even comment on if you like. Please continue to enjoy this and all of our other blogs! .. (Read More)