What is embedded Linux? How embedded is used and can benefit the company? An embedded system is the parts of the computer software and hardware which is based on a microprocessor and microcontroller. It is controlled by RTOS or a real-time operating system, with limited memory, and both of them are different in complexity and size.
Embedded Linux is a Linux kernel or operating system which is designed for the embedded system and devices. Even though the embedded system uses the same kernel, it is different from the embedded standard operating system. Embedded Linux OS is tailored for embedded systems and hence it is very small in size, has minimal features, and requires less processing power.
The Linux kernel is optimized and modified and converted to an embedded Linux version. This kind of Linux can only run apps that are modified especially for such devices.
Why you should choose embedded Linux?
The major reason why embedded Linux is its open-source, low cost, adaptability to carry out specific functions microprocessors, and flexibility. Linux enables development, supports vendors, and allows multiple software as compared to the proprietary operating system. Plus, it allows a new approach which is a highly modular building block for building a custom system, leading to greater flexibility.
Embedded system for engineers
The versatility and flexibility of embedded Linux have become one of the preferred embedded systems for developers. Most electronic devices like mobiles, TVs, personal video creators, wearables, cameras, smart tablets, and many more electronic devices are developed using Linux.
It is also used in car software and many more network system which has a great demand in the market. Embedded Linux is dynamic in nature and hence it is in the trend and the demand to hire embedded developers is increasing.
How to develop embedded Linux on Windows
Introducing embedded Linux into your company means overcoming multiple challenges. This Linux guide will help you understand this system better. But it is important to replace the entire development environment? The answer is no. In most cases, the embedded Linux system development is done only by installing a Linux host.
The PC version offers in-built utilities and libraries than the embedded Linux system for Windows making the Linux host which is ideal for embedded Linux code development.
But what about those developers who are using Windows for development? The common solution for this is VMware Player or VirtualBox and this allows the engineers to keep using Windows as the preferred operating system. You can use the virtual machine along with Ubuntu or any other Linux distributions to develop products based on embedded Linux.
What is the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL)?
Window Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is a software introduced by Microsoft supporting the Linux environment. It is an in-built operating system that was introduced as Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) that was included in the latest Windows 10 version.
You can install WSL in your system and develop a fine embedded-based application for your device. The WSL offers a Microsoft-developed kernel interface that is compatible with Linux, which may then support the execution of a GNU userspace on top of it. In this manner, it is simple to install Linux development tools in the WSL-based native Linux environment. There is an upgraded version of WSL which is WSL 2 introduced in 2022 by Microsoft.
Embedded Linux and Android
If you are searching for embedded Linux for Android then the Android operating system is the best example. You can use this system for smartphones. The best part about the Android operating system is that it runs the same kind of Linux kernel as the embedded system, plus shares memory management, networking capabilities, and memory management.
Advantages of using embedded Linux
We have already discussed the compact version of Linux for embedded systems that provides the services and features following the application requirements and operation of the embedded system. The following are the main advantages of an embedded Linux system.
Similar to Linux, the prime advantage of Linux over other operating systems is the use of open source. This turns into the low cost of production along with multiple software existence, support and development provider, robust and stable kernel, and openness in terms of the license.
Additionally, the ability to read, redistribute, and modify the source code which integrated with an approach of advanced modular building blocks for custom embedded systems. All these advantages work in providing greater flexibility in the design possibilities.
Disadvantages of embedded Linux
It is important to note that complexity is one of embedded Linux’s potential drawbacks. Compared to other embedded development environments, embedded Linux has more features because it is open-source and has undergone numerous developments. Linux’s extensive codebase (both on your system and in the community) leads to an almost limitless level of complexity.
Hire Embedded Developers from Adequate Infosoft
Now, if you are looking for skilled and professional embedded developers, then Infosoft is the go-to embedded development company. A knowledgeable and experienced group of embedded software engineers is required for the development of an innovative and secure solution. A well-known custom software development firm in India, Adequate Infosoft, hires skilled embedded software engineers.
More than 30 nations, including India, the USA, Sweden, Canada, Singapore, South Africa, Malaysia, Ghana, the Netherlands, Hungary, Austria, and Denmark, have benefited from our services.
