Adoption of Linux continues to grow year by year, with the majority of growth in the area of embedded systems. While it is possible to build an embedded Linux operating system from scratch, it is hard work and error prone. Thankfully, there is a better way—using the BitBake build tool, the OpenEmbedded Core metadata and the Poky distribution, which, together, make up the Yocto Project.
Since its inception in 2010, the Yocto Project has progressed to become the de facto build system for a wide range of appliances and devices running Linux. Now, with the advent of the connected world known as the Internet of Things, the Yocto Project is taking on a key role in creating the backbone operating systems for devices that we rely on every day. So, the Yocto Project does not stand still, it has to continually evolve to cater for current generations of hardware and to support the tools and applications used in modern connected devices.
However, as anyone who has dipped a toe into the Yocto Project pool will know, the water gets deep very quickly. The flexibility of the Yocto Project means that you need to be aware of many concepts if you are to make best use of the tool. I heartily recommend this book as your lifesaver! Alex’s thorough understanding of the topic, coupled with a practical approach to problem solving, makes this an easy-to-read, essential companion that will help you not only to keep your head above water but to become a proficient swimmer.
This second edition of Embedded Linux Development Using Yocto Project Cookbook follows in the same style and technical content as the first, but has been refreshed and extended to describe the current versions of the Yocto Project. Alex’s deep understanding of the Yocto Project conjoins with his practical knowledge of the subject to produce a practical guide to the Yocto Project. The cookbook style allows you to dip in and out as needed to find answers to particular problems. Alex always adds pointers to more detailed descriptions of the problems covered, so that, step by step, you can build up a thorough understanding of the underlying principles. As an educator, I am always looking for books to recommend to my students. This is at the top of my list when teaching people about the Yocto Project.
Chris Simmonds
Founder of 2net.co.uk, author and teacher