Embedded Linux: Building a System from the Ground Up Training Course

Buildroot is an open-source project comprising scripts that generate a cross-compilation toolchain, a customizable root filesystem image, and a Linux kernel tailored for embedded devices. Through this practical course, participants will learn how to effectively utilize Buildroot to:

• Select the software packages to include in the root filesystem.
• Integrate new packages and modify existing ones.
• Add support for new embedded boards.

During the course, participants will produce bootable filesystem images. Remote sessions are conducted using the QEMU emulator, while classroom sessions allow the use of either QEMU or real embedded boards chosen by the instructor.

Other projects with similar objectives include the Yocto project and OpenWRT. Please review these presentations to help determine which solution best suits your needs.

Course Objectives

The primary goal is to clarify the fundamentals of embedded GNU/Linux, illustrating how its various components integrate. Participants will identify the necessary elements for constructing an embedded GNU/Linux environment, learn where to source them, and understand the processes for configuring, building, and installing these components. The course also addresses support resources and software licensing considerations. Through practical exercises, attendees will gain the essential hands-on experience required to independently develop their own embedded GNU/Linux systems upon successful completion.

Description

This five-day training program combines theoretical instruction with practical exercises to elucidate the concepts underlying embedded GNU/Linux. It is structured to accelerate your proficiency rapidly. The course covers the philosophy, core concepts, and essential commands for leveraging GNU/Linux effectively, blending theoretical knowledge with practical, job-oriented training.

Instead of reinventing the wheel, benefit from the expertise of a seasoned trainer and leave with a robust working knowledge of GNU/Linux, enabling you to apply it effectively in your embedded development projects.

Target Audience

This course is designed for managers, project managers, software and hardware developers, systems engineers, testers, administrators, technicians, and other professionals interested in this technology who seek a rapid understanding of how Embedded GNU/Linux operates. It is suitable for those currently using GNU/Linux, those deciding on its viability for their needs, those who have attempted to use Embedded GNU/Linux but are unsure of their approach, or those currently using a different operating system and wishing to evaluate whether GNU/Linux offers better or more cost-effective alternatives.

Delivery Options

While all training materials are provided in English, instruction can be delivered in either English or German, available worldwide.

• In-person, instructor-led
• Online, instructor-led
• Blended in-person/online, instructor-led

Spanning two days, this course allocates approximately 60% of its time to practical labs, delving into Embedded Linux kernel internals, architecture, and development. It also explores the processes for writing and integrating various types of device drivers.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for engineers interested in Linux kernel development for embedded systems and platforms.

This two-day course explores the fundamental principles of building Embedded Linux systems. Approximately 60% of the session is dedicated to practical, hands-on implementation using industry-standard tools and methodologies for real-world applications.

An embedded system is a computer system designed for a specific function within a larger mechanical or electrical system, typically operating under real-time computing constraints.

Description

This five-day training program combines practical, hands-on exercises with expert instruction to illustrate the core concepts of GNU/Linux kernel internals and device driver development. The course is designed to accelerate your proficiency, covering the essential processes, concepts, and commands required to write GNU/Linux device drivers through a blend of theoretical knowledge and applied training.

Instead of starting from scratch, you will learn from an experienced trainer, gaining the practical knowledge and skills needed to effectively apply device driver development to your own embedded projects.

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for software engineers, field engineers, project managers, and hardware engineers who are interested in or responsible for developing or evaluating GNU/Linux device drivers.

The LEDE Project (Linux Embedded Development Environment) is a Linux distribution derived from OpenWrt. It serves as a full alternative to the proprietary firmware typically provided by manufacturers for numerous wireless routers and network appliances.

Through this instructor-led live training, participants will acquire the skills necessary to configure a wireless router using LEDE.

Audience

• Network administrators and technicians

Course format

• A blend of lectures, interactive discussions, exercises, and extensive hands-on practice

This instructor-led, live training in Greece (online or onsite) is aimed at engineers who wish to implement NetApp ONTAP.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Set up and administer ONTAP 9.3 Cluster (3 days).
• Safeguard data through Data Protection technologies (2 days).

This instructor-led, live training (available online or onsite) is intended for embedded engineers and system administrators who aim to build, customize, and deploy OpenBMC firmware for server management.

This instructor-led, live training session (available online or onsite) is aimed at hardware validation and system test engineers who wish to implement, test, and troubleshoot IPMI and sensor management on OpenBMC platforms.

This instructor-led live training (online or onsite) is designed for security engineers and firmware developers who wish to harden OpenBMC deployments against unauthorized access and firmware tampering.

This instructor-led, live training session (available online or onsite) is designed for embedded Linux developers seeking to master the OpenBMC build system, customize layers, and create production-ready BMC firmware images.

In this instructor-led, live training session, participants will learn how to create a build system for embedded Linux based on Yocto Project.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Understand the fundamental concepts behind a Yocto Project build system, including recipes, metadata, and layers.
• Build a Linux image and run it under emulation.
• Save time and energy building embedded Linux systems.

Description

This four-day training merges theoretical concepts with practical exercises to introduce participants to the Yocto Project.
It addresses common questions such as:

• Is it truly necessary to utilize different toolchains, libraries, and packages for every GNU/Linux project, along with distinct workflows?
• Can you guarantee that the development environment remains consistent across all developers and suppliers, ensuring identical builds can be reproduced over a decade from now?
• Does the Yocto Project assist in identifying the software licenses applicable to the packages you utilize?

Hands-on sessions are conducted on target hardware (e.g., BeagleBone Black Rev. C - http://beagleboard.org/BLACK). Upon completion of the training, you will receive a Docker image containing Ubuntu 14.x with all dependencies pre-installed, alongside course examples, allowing you to practice with the material in your own labs. Please note that this is not an introductory course to Embedded GNU/Linux. Participants should already understand how Embedded GNU/Linux operates, including configuring and building the GNU/Linux kernel and its drivers.

Who should attend?

This course is designed for those who already use GNU/Linux for their projects and have heard of the Yocto Project but hesitated to explore it further, or found it difficult to use. If you are unsure how your current workflow fits into the Yocto Project, or if you find the Yocto Project overly complicated and question its necessity compared to previous, presumably simpler methods, this training will help you decide if the Yocto Project is right for you. The workshop is targeted at software developers, system engineers, testers, administrators, and other professionals interested in the Yocto Project who possess solid knowledge of Embedded GNU/Linux.