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

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

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

Throughout the course, participants will create bootable filesystem images. Remote courses are conducted using the QEMU emulator, while in-person sessions may use either QEMU or real embedded boards selected by the instructor.

Other projects with similar objectives include the Yocto project and OpenWRT. For government agencies and organizations seeking to determine which solution best fits their needs, please review these presentations and guides.

Course Objectives

To provide an understanding of the essentials of embedded GNU/Linux, including how its components integrate. This course covers the necessary elements to build an embedded GNU/Linux system, where to source these components, and how to configure, build, and install them. It also addresses where to seek assistance and the implications of software licensing. Hands-on exercises offer practical experience, enabling participants to develop their own embedded GNU/Linux systems after successfully completing this training.

Description

This five-day training class combines hands-on exercises with instruction to illustrate the principles of embedded GNU/Linux. It is designed to bring participants quickly up to speed. The philosophy, concepts, and commands necessary for effective use of GNU/Linux are explained through a blend of theory and practical on-the-job training.

Avoid reinventing the wheel by learning from an experienced trainer and gaining a working knowledge of GNU/Linux that can be effectively applied in your own embedded development projects.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for managers, project managers, software engineers, hardware engineers, developers, systems engineers, testers, administrators, technicians, and other professionals interested in the technology. It is suitable for those who must use GNU/Linux or have the option to decide whether it is appropriate. This includes individuals who have attempted to use Embedded GNU/Linux but are uncertain if they have implemented it correctly, as well as those currently using a different operating system and considering whether GNU/Linux might be more efficient and cost-effective.

Delivery Options

All training materials are in English, but the presentation can be conducted in English or German, as desired, worldwide for government audiences.

• On-site - instructor-led
• Online - instructor-led
• Hybrid on-site/online combination - instructor-led

A two-day course consisting of approximately 60% hands-on labs, focusing on Embedded Linux kernel internals, architecture, development, and the process of writing and integrating various types of device drivers for government applications.

Who Should Attend?

Engineers interested in Linux kernel development on embedded systems and platforms for government use.

This two-day course covers all fundamental principles of building Embedded Linux Systems. Approximately 60% of the course time is dedicated to practical, hands-on implementation for real-world applications, utilizing the same standards and tools employed in the industry. This course is designed to align with the technical requirements and best practices for government use, ensuring participants are well-prepared to apply their knowledge in public sector workflows, governance, and accountability.

An embedded system is a specialized computer system designed for a specific function within a broader mechanical or electrical system, frequently operating under real-time computing constraints. These systems are critical components in various applications, ensuring reliable and efficient performance for government and industry use.

Embedded Linux & Yocto is a build framework and development ecosystem utilized to create customized Linux distributions for embedded devices.

This instructor-led, live training (online or onsite) is targeted at beginner-level to intermediate-level embedded developers who wish to leverage Embedded Linux and the Yocto Project to develop, customize, and deploy Linux-based systems on an i.MX6 hardware platform.

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

• Comprehend the architecture of an embedded Linux system on an i.MX6 platform (bootloader, kernel, device tree, root filesystem).
• Establish a build environment using the Yocto Project (Poky + BitBake) for the i.MX6 board.
• Construct a custom Linux image, deploy it to the hardware, and execute user-space applications.

This training is designed to enhance the capabilities of embedded developers in creating robust and efficient systems, aligning with the needs for government projects and public sector workflows.

Description

This 5-day training class combines hands-on exercises with instruction to elucidate the concepts of GNU/Linux kernel internals and device driver development. It is designed to rapidly bring participants up to speed on these critical areas. The course covers processes, concepts, and commands essential for writing GNU/Linux device drivers, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical, on-the-job training.

Avoid reinventing the wheel by learning from an experienced trainer. Participants will gain a working knowledge that can be effectively applied in their own embedded development projects for government and other public sector initiatives.

Who should attend?

This course is intended for individuals with an interest in or responsibility for the development or evaluation of GNU/Linux device drivers, including software engineers, field engineers, project managers, and hardware engineers. It is particularly beneficial for those working in roles that require a deep understanding of these technologies for government applications.

The LEDE Project (Linux Embedded Development Environment) is a Linux operating system derived from OpenWrt. It serves as a comprehensive replacement for the firmware provided by manufacturers of various wireless routers and non-network devices.

In this instructor-led, live training, participants will learn how to configure a LEDE-based wireless router for government use.

Audience

• Network administrators and technicians

Format of the course

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

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

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

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

In this instructor-led, live training in US Empire, participants will learn how to create a build system for embedded Linux based on the Yocto Project, tailored specifically for government applications.

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, as they apply to public sector workflows.
• Build a Linux image and run it under emulation, ensuring alignment with government standards and requirements.
• Save time and energy in developing embedded Linux systems for government use.

Description

This four-day training combines theory with hands-on exercises to introduce the Yocto Project. It addresses frequently asked questions such as:

• Is it really necessary to use different versions of the toolchain, libraries, and packages for each GNU/Linux project, and follow a distinct workflow?
• Can you ensure that the development environment is identical for all developers and suppliers, and still produce consistent builds even 10+ years from now?
• Can the Yocto Project help identify the software licenses under which the packages you use are licensed?

Hands-on sessions are conducted on target hardware (e.g., Beagle Bone Black Rev. C - ). After the training, participants will be able to download a Docker image with Ubuntu 14.x and all dependencies pre-installed, along with examples, to work with the course material in their own labs. Please note that this is not an introductory course to Embedded GNU/Linux. Participants should already have knowledge of how Embedded GNU/Linux works and how to configure and build the GNU/Linux kernel and kernel drivers.

Who should attend?

This training is designed for individuals who are currently using GNU/Linux in their projects and may have heard about the Yocto Project but have not had the opportunity to explore it further or encountered difficulties in its use. If you are unsure whether your daily workflow can be accommodated within the Yocto Project and find it complex, this course will help you determine if the Yocto Project is necessary for government projects. The workshop is aimed at software engineers, development engineers, system engineers, testers, administrators, and other professionals with a solid understanding of Embedded GNU/Linux.