Get to know Yokto linux on embedded platform

 In this technical session, we will provide an in-depth
exploration of the Yocto Project, the gold standard open-source platform for
creating customized Linux distributions, specialized for embedded devices. By
attending this session, you'll gain hands-on experience with core Yocto
technologies and common tasks using the popular BeagleBone Black platform.


1. Introduction to the Yocto Project

Brief history and motivation behind the project, and how its architecture built
its importance in embedded Linux development due to its flexibility and
maintainability.


2. Setting Up Your First Build Environment

Step-by-step guide on creating a basic build using QEMU for simple
bootstrapping without hardware. Based on that, board selection and the concept
of a Linux distribution are demonstrated.


3. Package Selection & Creation with Bitbake Recipes

Explanation of bitbake recipes (.bb files) and their role in defining software
metadata, forming metadata layers. Creating a custom image package selection,
and writing a simple recipe for packaging own software.


4. Software Component Patching

Importance of patching in embedded Linux development for bug fixes and hardware
adaptations. Understand the patch creating and application process within the
Yocto build, as well as automated source preparation.


5. Hardware Abstraction with Device Tree Overlays

Explanation of device tree overlays as a mechanism to enable support for
various peripherals and board configurations. The device tree defines the
specific hardware for a Linux distribution to run on. A demonstration of adding
an EEPROM to the BeagleBone Black and interacting with it is given.


6. Revision Control & Collaboration withkas

Introduction to kas, a tool to manage maintainable Yocto-based build setups
within git repositories. The build setup so far is augmented with the required
configuration and put under revision control.


7. Remote Software Updates with Mender

Introduction to Mender, an open-source over-the-air update solution integrated
with Yocto Project for remote software updates in embedded Linux devices.


Learning objectives by the end of this session, attendees will have:

Hands-on experience with setting up Yocto build environments and managing
custom Linux distributions

A solid understanding of key Yocto concepts such as bitbake recipes, device
tree overlays, metalayers, kas, and Mender

Practical knowledge on how to implement software component patching, hardware
abstraction, and remote software updates in embedded Linux development. 

Due to the often time consuming nature of buildingcustom Linux distributions from source, the session will not focus on working
along, but provide full instructions for replicating as a personal follow up.