Overview

This instructions in this section create a build environment for the Verdex Pro series. It gives a brief overview of the Gumstix build system, which is based upon OpenEmbedded and BitBake. We'll introduce the basics of the system with a tutorial describing how to build the classic "hello world" application.

Note: To create a build system for the Gumstix Overo series, use the instructions posted via here.

 

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Hello world tutorial

The hello world sample program dates back at least to 1974, when it was published in a Bell Laboratories internal memorandum by Brian Kernighan called Programming in C: A Tutorial. Since then, generations of programmers have used it as their first test program on new machines and development environments.
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Some basic terminology

Recipes, collections? Like most software, OpenEmbedded has some unique terminology that you should become familiar with.
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Directory layout

OpenEmbedded is a flexible, capable build tool. There is, however, a lot to know in order to fully exploit its power. A good way to learn how it works is to explore its directory layout.
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Working with collections

It seems every embedded development project finds a need to modify basic system functionality.

It is often challenging to do this in a way that doesn't complicate keeping in sync with the latest system updates. In systems like buildroot, this requires making changes to code that is under source code control by the system software provider. Doing this in a way that doesn't break updates and yet allows you to place your modifications under source code control is often complex and prone to errors. OpenEmbedded and BitBake provide a mechanism called collections that simplifies this process.
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Variables often used in recipes

Now that you're familiar with the basic directory structure, lets look over some BitBake variables that you are likely to use in your recipes.
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Further study

The sections above should have given you enough information to to begin writing your own package recipes. For more detailed information on OpenEmbedded and BitBake please consult:

• The OpenEmbedded documentation
• The BitBake User Manual