Re: [gentoo-embedded] newbie: How to get started with PDA development

[Rahul]

Hi Cooper, 

Thanks for taking time for a detailed reponse.

Here's something about emulators I want to share and that I
got to know yesterday:

- Looks like http://www.handhelds.org/ has a few resources. 
- Xcopilot is one with uClinux, and then there is ARMUlator.

Have been trying to get to www.uclinux.org, looks like they
got problems with the server :(

It would be nice to put your notes on one of the
gentoo-embedded pages. I am happy to put these up if anyone
on the list can tell me what is the best way to go about it
and even maintain them as I learn more about embedded
development. 

PS: There's an article that I bookmarked y'day of setting up
Xcopilot, I can post a link here for other n00bs like
me'self!

Cheers, 

Rahul 


----- Original Message Follows -----
> Rahul (rahul.thakur@×××××××××.nz) scribbled:
> > I am an absolute n00b with respect to Embedded
> > development and I have been googl'ing for some days now
> > to find some starters resources for getting started with
> embedded development but not happy with results.
>
> Somewhat similar situation here.  The first thing I had to
> realize is that there was _no_ cookie-cutter method to
> embedded development.  I've seen it described as a "black
> art", and honestly, that's pretty on the mark.  Each
> target (pda, processor, board, whatever) needs to have a
> toolchain, a c library, a kernel, a root environment, etc.
>  All tuned to that particular target.
>
> I would suggest picking one target and doing a project for
> it first.  There  are a lot of devices entering the market
> with high potential for being targets.  Hell, just on my
> desk I have a wrt54g wireless router(mips?), a  nslu2
> network storage appliance (ARM XScale), a sharp zaurus
> (ARM XScale),  and an ipod (ARM no mmu).  At work I have
> an embedded PowerPC board.   Way too many distractions.
> :)
>
> And unfortunately, the powerpc board at work takes
> priority.  There's no  challenge with it though as it
> already has a serial console (no need to  solder), and we
> got the TimeSys toolchain with it.
>
> > I have a few queries:
> > (1) How can I set up my gentoo installation for embedded
> > development ? Does gentoo comes with embedded
> development tools ?
>
> Simple answer: Yes, but not like emerging a package.
> Gentoo has crossdev,  which is a script for building
> cross-toolchains, but it takes a bit of work  to get
> success.  google for 'crossdev', search bugs.gentoo.org,
> and the forums.
>
> There are other scripts available out there in the wild.
> Hunt around uclibc.org, especially if you want to use
> uclibc (small substitute for glibc).
>
> > (2) Where can I find literature to get started with
> > embedded development on linux ? Where can I get tools
> and manuals ?
>
> Busybox, uclibc, crossdev, and crosstool are a few good
> keywords. O'Reilly (Publisher) has a book or two on
> embedded development.  You may want to sign up for the
> crossgcc mailinglist.
>
> > (3) I am interested in developing for handhelds/PDAs
> > using linux as an OS. Are there any emulators available
> > that I can set up to develop for a particular target
> device ?
>
> With the price of targets coming down, most folks just buy
> the target.  I haven't seen a mention of any emulators.
> However, keep in mind, I'm about as new as you are.
>
> Side note:  I was spoiled with Gentoo being within a day
> or two of current releases.  The embedded world doesn't
> seem to move that fast. Be prepared to try older versions
> of packages when building your toolchains.
>
> hth,
>
> Cooper.
>
> Sorry for the ramble... :)
>
> --
> gentoo-embedded@g.o mailing list
>

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