To put together a Linux-based IoT system, you need a quick and easy approach to getting a base system up and running. And while you are at it, you also need to keep an eye on the flash footprint – some IoT platforms only have 64MB flash memory. You will want to keep control of the software included in the system, and you’ll want to be able to add your own applications easily. Last but not least, you will need to pay attention to security and comply with both open source and proprietary licenses.
The Buildroot build system [1] will help you with these tasks. Buildroot, which emerged in the early 2000s from the µClinux and Busybox projects, focuses on creating systems with a minimal footprint. Buildroot is easier to use and conceptually simpler than Yocto (see the article on Yocto starting on p. 16 of this issue). If you don’t need Yocto’s expansive capabilities, with its modular layer system and other advanced features, and you just want to generate an OS for an embedded device, Buildroot is often the better choice.
Buildroot can generate:
• a cross-compilation toolchain
• a root file system
• a Linux kernel image
• a bootloader for the target device
A selection tool based on the menu system of the Linux kernel lets you specify the required packages and the associated configuration options. This menu-driven approach helps ensure you have the components you need and makes it easy to leave out any components you don’t need to minimize the flash footprint.
This story is from the #263/Ocober 2022: Build an IoT Linux edition of Linux Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the #263/Ocober 2022: Build an IoT Linux edition of Linux Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
URL filtering with Pi-hole Into the Funnel
Supporting browser plug-ins, network-based DNS blockers like Pi-hole help protect you against online tracking and unwanted content.
Artificial intelligence on the Raspberry Pi Learning Experience
You don't need a powerful computer system to use Al. We show what it takes to benefit from Al on the Raspberry Pi and what tasks the small computer can handle.
MakerSpace Manage your greenhouse with a Raspberry Pi Pico W Sheltered Growth
You can safely assign some greenhouse tasks to a Raspberry Pi Pico W, such as controlling ventilation, automating a heater, and opening and closing windows.
Control Center
Tipi gives you complete control of more than 100 applications and services. A mouse click is all it takes to install the apps.
In One Fell Swoop
Topgrade detects all the package managers installed on a system and executes them one by one at the command line.
Go Faster!
The fastest way through a curve on a racetrack is along the racing line. Instead of heading for Indianapolis, Mike Schilli trains his reflexes with a desktop application written in Go, just to be on the safe side.
Math Magic
MathLex lets you easily transform handwritten math formulas to digital format and use them on the web.
Custom Repair Toolkit
You can do more with System Rescue than just repair broken systems. By adding tools and scripts, you can create a custom rescue environment that meets your needs.
At Your Disposal
Debvm lets you quickly create a temporary virtual machine with a small memory footprint, ideal for testing scripts or mixing repositories
A Fresh Breeze
Vanilla OS, an immutable filesystem, seamlessly integrates applications from other distributions with an innovative container-based package manager.