Yocto Project Labs for Embedded Linux OS

Welcome! This repository contains the source code and materials for a series of hands-on labs designed to introduce the Yocto Project for building custom embedded Linux systems. The labs guide you from the basic concepts of Yocto to creating custom layers, applications, and even Linux kernel modules for the Raspberry Pi 3.

Lab Series Overview 🚀

This series is structured to build your knowledge progressively. Each lab builds upon the concepts learned in the previous one.

Lab 1: Introduction to the Yocto Project

Understand the core concepts: Poky, BitBake, Layers, and Recipes.
Set up a host machine (Ubuntu 24.04 LTS) with all the necessary dependencies.
Build your first Yocto image and run it on the QEMU emulator.

Lab 2: Building for the Raspberry Pi 3

Learn how to add a Board Support Package (BSP) layer (meta-raspberrypi) to your build.
Configure the build for a specific hardware target.
Build a bootable Linux image and deploy it to an SD card for the Raspberry Pi 3.

Lab 3: Custom Layers & Recipes

Create your own custom Yocto layer to house customisations.
Write a simple recipe for a "Hello, World!" user-space application.
Integrate the custom application into your Raspberry Pi 3 image build.

Lab 4: Introduction to Kernel Modules

Understand the process of building a Loadable Kernel Module (LKM) within the Yocto framework.
Create a recipe for a simple character device driver.
Deploy and test the kernel module on the target hardware.

Lab 5: GPIO Kernel Module with Interrupts 🔌

Write a more advanced kernel module to control General-Purpose I/O (GPIO) pins.
Configure one GPIO as an output and another as an interrupt-driven input.
Test the module on the Raspberry Pi 3 by creating a physical I/O loopback.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have the following:

Host Machine: A computer running a supported Linux distribution. These labs were tested using Ubuntu 24.04 LTS.
Hardware:
- A Raspberry Pi 3 Model B/B+.
- A high-quality Micro SD card (16GB or larger).
- A reliable 5V/2.5A power supply.
- A USB-to-serial adapter for console access.
- Jumper wires (for Lab 5).
Knowledge: Basic familiarity with the Linux command line, Git, and C programming is recommended.

Getting Started

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.coventry.ac.uk/7024ENG-2526SEPNOV/YOCTO-LABS.git

Follow the Labs: The source codes and necessary files for the labs are embedded within to encourage and improve your bash scripting skills.

It is highly recommended to complete the labs in sequential order, as each one sets the foundation for the next.

Yocto Version

The instructions and configurations in these labs are based on the kirkstone release branch of the Poky reference distribution. While the core concepts are applicable across different Yocto Project versions, specific layer compatibility and commands may vary.

🛠️ Yocto Build Error Tracker Notebook

Due to the wide variety of host systems and configurations, it's common to encounter errors during the Yocto build process.

This page is designed to help you:

✅ Identify common issues during host setup and build
✅ Share errors you've encountered
✅ Discover potential solutions and workarounds

Please refer to this page to report any problems and check for fixes contributed by your peers or the teaching team(I will be monitoring the notebook). Your input will help us build a shared knowledge base to support everyone’s progress.

If you're unsure how to describe an error, feel free to include screenshots, logs, or system details to help us assist you more effectively. Notebook: Error Report and Solution Tracker

License

7024ENG-2526MAYJUL/YOCTO_LABS

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