Embedded Linux for total beginner

Question

I want to learn how to develop in embedded linux. What materials should I need? I don't have the actual embedded device so I plan to use some device emulator for the PC. I want to know how to load the kernel and the filesystem in the device.

Answer 1

Depending on the device you plan on using, you may be able to emulate it using QUEMU.

Even without a device, you could probably get started by reading through some of the articles on http://www.linuxfordevices.com.

A good starting point may be The Embedded Linux Overview Quick Reference Guide.

Answer 2

You might want to check out http://www.linuxfromscratch.org/
Most standard linux distros are intended for full-blown desktops. The "linux from scratch" approach is ideal for embedded platforms, since you can create bare-bones kernels that can be fit into very small memory footprints.

It's fairly common for embedded single board computers to have at least one RS-232 serial port and at least one ethernet interface, and a boot loader stored in flash. The bootloader will often let you use the serial port to configure one of several boot options, such as boot from on-board flash, possibly from SD or USB flash, or use TFTP over ethernet, or sometimes even through the serial port itself.