This article describes setting up an embedded Linux cross-development environment targeting a virtual machine running on the development host. It covers installing Qemu and using it to debug applications and kernels, both with supplied test-images and with custom kernel/filesystem images created with Buildroot.

The article describes how to get started writing code for an "embedded" architecture such as MIPS or ARM, even though you may not yet have any actual hardware based on that architecture. Since embedded projects typically involve concurrent hardware and software development, targeting emulated hardware is one of the most fundamental skills required by developers working in the device development market.

The article was written by Gilad Ben-Yossef, co-founder of Israel-based embedded Linux training and consulting firm Codefidence. Ben-Yossef is also co-author of Building Embedded Linux Systems, originally written by Karim Yaghmour.

Ben-Yossef delves into specific topics that include:Installing Qemu
Installing a kernel and root filesystem
Booting Linux on the emulator
Setting up networking with the development host
Transferring files to/from the target
Using sample code distributed with Qemu:Setting up gdb on the host to debug applications running on the target
Using gdb to debut Linux kernels running on the targetBuilding your own kernels and filesystem images (using Buildroot)Click below to read the full article.

Getting started with an embedded Linux system emulator



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