Embedded Linux Development (LFD450)

The Embedded Linux Development (LFD450) course, offered by the Linux Foundation, is an intensive, hands-on training program designed for experienced developers building Linux-based embedded systems. This course dives deep into the Linux kernel architecture, teaching participants how to customize it for resource-constrained embedded platforms. Covering cross-development environments, boot loaders, device trees, and filesystem creation, LFD450 equips you with the skills to develop, deploy, and optimize embedded Linux solutions. Ideal for professionals working on IoT, automotive, or industrial applications, this course provides practical techniques for right-sizing systems and ensuring performance on diverse hardware.

Target Audience

This course is ideal for:

• Experienced developers building Linux-based embedded systems.
• Engineers working on IoT, automotive, or industrial embedded applications.
• System architects seeking expertise in Linux kernel customization.
• Professionals aiming to master cross-development and boot processes.

Prerequisites

To succeed in this course, participants should have:

• Strong experience with Linux system administration and command-line tools.
• Basic knowledge of C programming and Linux kernel concepts.
• Familiarity with embedded systems or hardware development (preferred).

What You Will Learn

In this course, you will gain expertise in:

• Customizing the Linux kernel for embedded platforms.
• Setting up cross-development environments and toolchains.
• Configuring boot loaders (e.g., U-Boot, GRUB) and device trees.
• Building optimized filesystems with tools like Yocto and Buildroot.

Benefits of the Course

By completing this course, you will:

• Develop the skills to create efficient, tailored embedded Linux systems.
• Gain hands-on experience with industry-standard tools and techniques.
• Enhance your career in the growing field of embedded systems development.
• Master optimization strategies for performance-critical applications.

Course Outline

• Introduction to Embedded Linux
  • Embedded and Real-Time Systems Concepts
  • Overview of Linux Kernel Architecture for Embedded Platforms
• Cross-Development Environments
  • Cross-Development Environments: Goals and Needs
  • Setting Up a Cross-Development Toolchain
  • Configuring and Using the Kbuild System
• Target Board Setup and Booting
  • Basic Target Development Board Setup
  • Booting from uSD and Over Ethernet
  • Configuring Boot Loaders (e.g., U-Boot, GRUB)
  • Kernel Configuration, Compilation, and Booting
• Device Drivers and Device Trees
  • Developing and Integrating Device Drivers
  • Configuring and Using Device Trees
• Filesystem Creation and Management
  • Target Filesystem Packaging
  • Building Root Filesystems with Yocto and Buildroot
  • Root Filesystem Choices (e.g., uClibc, musl)
  • Building BusyBox Utility Suite
• Storage and Memory Technologies
  • Memory Technology Devices (Flash Memory Filesystems)
  • Compressed Filesystems for Embedded Systems
  • Configuring and Managing Storage
• System Optimization and Debugging
  • Right-Sizing Embedded Linux Systems
  • Kernel Monitoring and Debugging Techniques
  • System Upgrades and Maintenance
• Real-Time and Advanced Features
  • Real-Time Extensions for Embedded Applications
  • Optimizing for Low-Latency and Deterministic Performance