Embedded development has become increasingly popular during the past decade due to businesses’ significant focus on automation and competitive advantage. More and more companies hire embedded developers to create state-of-the-art solutions that take over complex routine tasks and provide more time to optimize business processes within an organization.
This is why embedded engineers always search for effective tools that will help them speed up embedded Linux development. Moreover, embedded Linux engineers prefer these tools for their cost- and time-effectiveness, which benefits businesses that aim to develop a custom embedded system https://lembergsolutions.com/embedded-linux-development.
In this article, we will explore what embedded Linux is, why it is important, and its advantages for embedded engineers. You will learn about the most popular embedded Linux technologies, such as OpenWrt, Yocto Project, and Debian, and find out why embedded engineers prefer them.
What is Embedded Linux Development?
Embedded Linux development refers to the process of creating software applications and systems that run on embedded devices using the Linux operating system. Embedded devices are typically small computers or microcontrollers that are built into other devices, such as smartphones, home appliances, and industrial equipment.
Linux is popular for embedded development due to its open-source nature, flexibility, and community support. It provides many features suitable for embedded applications, such as a small footprint, real-time performance, and low power consumption. Embedded Linux development is used in various applications, from consumer electronics to industrial automation, and is an essential skill for developers in these fields.
Why is embedded Linux important?
Embedded Linux is an offshoot of the Linux operating system that has been designed for embedded system development. Embedded Linux development has become widely used in various industries for several reasons.
First, embedded Linux introduces a flexible and customizable platform that meets the specific requirements of a project a business owner has in mind. This makes embedded Linux the right choice for a wide range of applications, from smart home devices to industrial, automotive, and logistics systems.
Second, embedded Linux is more cost-effective than other embedded operating systems since it is an open-source technology that can be modified and distributed by any tech enthusiast. This makes it easier for different companies to develop their own custom versions of this operating system without paying any royalties.
Why embedded engineers prefer embedded Linux?
Flexibility and customization
Embedded Linux allows engineers to tailor the technology to any specific needs and devices. It is especially important when it comes to the development of a unique system that has never been on the market, and there are no ready-made solutions that can simplify the development process.
Wide range of Linux distributions for embedded systems
Since “open source” is a buzzword among tech experts, more and more engineers create custom solutions based on embedded Linux. Everybody wants to contribute to the embedded community. For this reason, engineers can access numerous embedded Linux distributions that solve specific tasks without creating a separate distro.
Cost-Effectiveness
As we’ve mentioned before, embedded Linux is an open-source solution, which means that embedded developers don’t need to pay for the license. This is a benefit for product developers too since their embedded team doesn’t require more resources for the operating system use.
Security
Embedded Linux is one of the most secure solutions among embedded operating systems. Its open-source nature allows developers to identify and fix security vulnerabilities right away.
Scalability
Embedded Linux is highly scalable and enables the development of various devices and embedded systems, from low-power devices to complex, high-performance systems.
3 Most Popular Embedded Linux Technologies
Embedded Linux technologies gain a lot of attention among embedded engineers. OpenWrt, Yocto Project, and Debian are the most popular embedded Linux technologies. Read below about their features and benefits.
OpenWrt
OpenWrt is commonly used for wireless network devices. It provides a highly customizable platform, which helps to create custom firmware for different network devices. OpenWrt has strong community support, meaning that numerous engineers can address any issue with this technology. OpenWrt is a secure solution that is regularly updated. Considering its use for network devices, the security of this solution is indispensable. Embedded engineers also provide positive feedback on its user-friendly and intuitive dashboard.
Yocto Project
Yocto Project is an open-source embedded Linux distribution that provides a framework for creating custom Linux-based systems for embedded devices. It provides a range of tools and features to support the development process. Embedded engineers can access a build system that enables the development of unique distros. Besides, they can use a metadata system that helps to develop requirements to their distros. Yocto Project enables the security of an embedded system since it is regularly updated. This solution is also widely supported by embedded developers around the world.
Debian
The same as the Yocto Project, Debian is an open-source embedded Linux distribution that provides a stable and reliable platform for embedded development. Embedded engineers love Debian since it is quite easy in use and maintenance, with a focus on stability and security. Debian has a huge software repository with over 59,000 software packages, providing a wide range of software options for developers to choose from. Moreover, Debian strongly focuses on security, with regular security updates and patches to address any identified vulnerabilities. Just as with the first two technologies, Debian has strong community support. One more benefit of this solution that attracts embedded engineers is its ease of installation.
Ending Note
If you need to develop a robust embedded solution that will run efficiently round the clock, embedded Linux distributions and technologies are the best options. OpenWrt, Debian, and the Yocto Project will simplify the development process, save costs for business owners, and provide numerous ways to make a custom embedded system that meets all requirements and shows great performance. These three solutions for embedded Linux development are secure and open source, meaning that you won’t pay any fees for the license. You will get regularly updated tools that are supported by the embedded community so you can address any issue with the help of fellow embedded developers.
