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Yocto vs. Buildroot - How to build your own Linux?
System builder tools exist in a wide variety of variants and forms. Two have particularly stood out in recent years: Buildroot and Yocto.
System builders are programs that support Linux system developers in selecting the necessary embedded software packages for the system to be built. This results in a Linux distribution, i.e. an “operating system core” for the target platform - in our case for an embedded Linux system. This can then be combined with a wide range of programs for the user.
These system-builder tools are available in numerous variants. Two of them are particularly well known in our field: Buildroot and Yocto.
Both projects are open-source and make it possible to build Linux systems yourself. They are widely used and well documented in the industrial sector. When using Buildroot or Yocto, you immediately get everything you need for your own small embedded Linux distribution:
- a root file system
- a toolchain
- the Linux kernel itself
- and a boot loader.
Both embedded software programs have approximately the same quality and quantity, with around 2000 software packages each, and can be put together for different target platforms and architectures, such as ARM or RiscV. This is known as a “cross-platform”.
What is the difference between Yocto and Buildroot?
At first glance quite similar, but on closer inspection both differ in the philosophy of how systems are built:
Yocto
Yocto places the utmost importance on flexibility. Thanks to its multi-layer system, different manufacturers can integrate their software into the system without affecting other layers. This makes it possible, for example, to update specific software components on a platform. In addition, the layered model makes it easy to maintain different processor platforms in a distribution.
Of course, these advantages in flexibility also entail a certain complexity that needs to be understood and dealt with. This usually makes the distribution somewhat more demanding, for example in terms of memory consumption.
Yocto itself is an open-source project, but it is steered by an advisory board backed by major companies such as Intel, Texas Instruments, NXP, Renesas and Comcast as sponsors.
Buildroot
Buildroot stands for simplicity and low resource consumption. Its user-friendly operation makes it easier to create lean and efficient embedded Linux systems. Software dependencies are automatically detected and resolved correctly, simplifying the development process.
With its focus on minimalism, Buildroot creates compact root file systems that are tailored to the exact functions needed – ideal for resource-constrained embedded systems. Buildroot also eliminates complex package management at runtime, increasing system stability and reducing the attack surface.
What does Ginzinger work with?
Ginzinger uses System Builder primarily to generate a large part of the software components for GELin. As an in-house embedded Linux distribution, GELin has existed at Ginzinger electronic systems for over ten years. Software components are built for exactly one processor architecture - for example the i.MX processor series from NXP.
GELin forms a user-friendly abstraction layer to make the complexity of the system builder and software components easily manageable.
Ginzinger relies on Buildroot as a tool. The centralized maintenance, without the layers common with Yocto, simplifies communication with the community and collaboration. The simple, clear and flat structures are easy to understand, save resources and can be mastered relatively quickly.
Buildroot's lean structure allows Ginzinger to fully focus on implementing highly optimized solutions for end customers. Together with the years of development knowhow this means an enormous advantage for the end customer.