Embedded Linux Primer

Embedded Linux Primer, a practical, real-world approach
 Christopher Hallinan, Prentice Hall PTR, ISBN-13: 978-0131679849 

Second edition published in 2010

Hallinan begins by touring a typical Linux-based embedded system, introducing key concepts and components, and calling attention to differences between Linux and traditional embedded environments. Writing from the embedded developer’s viewpoint, he addresses issues ranging from kernel building and initialization to bootloaders, device drivers to file systems.

This book covers the increasingly popular BusyBox utilities; presents a step-by-step walkthrough of porting Linux to custom boards; and introduces real-time configuration via CONFIG_RT--one of today’s most exciting developments in embedded Linux. You’ll find especially detailed coverage of using development tools to analyze and debug embedded systems--including the art of kernel debugging.


 * Understand the details of the Linux kernel initialization process
 * Learn about the special role of bootloaders in embedded Linux systems, with specific emphasis on U-Boot
 * Use embedded Linux file systems, including JFFS2--with detailed guidelines for building Flash-resident file system images
 * Understand the Memory Technology Devices subsystem for flash (and other) memory devices
 * Master gdb, KGDB, and hardware JTAG debugging
 * Learn many tips and techniques for debugging within the Linux kernel
 * Maximize your productivity in cross-development environments
 * Prepare your entire development environment, including TFTP, DHCP, and NFS target servers
 * Configure, build, and initialize BusyBox to support your unique requirements

There is a reason this book has been the #1 book on Amazon embedded systems for more than two years now!

Be sure to also visit the book's homepage.