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Yocto vs. Buildroot - How to build your own Linux?

There are many different types of system builder tools. Buildroot and Yocto have particularly stood out. In this comparison of Buildroot vs. Yocto, we’ll show you how they differ, when each tool is best suited, and why Ginzinger relies on Buildroot.

System builders are programs that help Linux system developers select the necessary embedded software packages for the system being built. This results in a Linux distribution, i.e., an “operating system kernel” for the target platform—in our case, for an embedded Linux system. This can then be combined with a wide variety of programs for the user.
These system builder tools are available in numerous variants. Two of them are particularly well known in our environment: Buildroot and Yocto.

What is Buildroot?

Buildroot is an open-source tool that generates a complete embedded Linux system through cross-compilation. From a single configuration, it builds the toolchain, the Linux kernel, a boot loader and a root file system for the target platform. The result is a lean, fixed system image without package management at runtime, which makes Buildroot a good fit for resource-constrained devices with a clearly defined range of functions.

What is Yocto?

The Yocto Project is an open-source project for building customized embedded Linux distributions. Its core principle is a multi-layer model: different manufacturers maintain their software in separate layers that can be combined without affecting one another. This makes it easy to support several processor platforms within one distribution and to update individual software components. The flexibility comes with higher complexity, which takes time to master and usually makes the resulting system somewhat more demanding, for example in memory consumption.

Yocto vs. Buildroot: Key differences

System builders are programs that support Linux system developers in selecting the necessary embedded software packages for the system to be built. This results in a Linux distribution, i.e. an “operating system core” for the target platform - in our case for an embedded Linux system. This can then be combined with a wide range of programs for the user.

These system-builder tools are available in numerous variants. Two of them are particularly well known in our field: Buildroot and Yocto.

Both projects are open-source and make it possible to build Linux systems yourself. They are widely used and well documented in the industrial sector. When using Buildroot or Yocto, you immediately get everything you need for your own small embedded Linux distribution:

a root file system
a toolchain
the Linux kernel itself
and a boot loader.

Both embedded software programs have approximately the same quality and quantity, with around 2000 software packages each, and can be put together for different target platforms and architectures, such as ARM or RiscV. This is known as a “cross-platform”.

Yocto

Yocto places the utmost importance on flexibility. Thanks to its multi-layer system, different manufacturers can integrate their software into the system without affecting other layers. This makes it possible, for example, to update specific software components on a platform. In addition, the layered model makes it easy to maintain different processor platforms in a distribution.

Of course, these advantages in flexibility also entail a certain complexity that needs to be understood and dealt with. This usually makes the distribution somewhat more demanding, for example in terms of memory consumption.

Yocto itself is an open-source project, but it is steered by an advisory board backed by major companies such as Intel, Texas Instruments, NXP, Renesas and Comcast as sponsors.

Buildroot

Buildroot stands for simplicity and low resource consumption. Its user-friendly operation makes it easier to create lean and efficient embedded Linux systems. Software dependencies are automatically detected and resolved correctly, simplifying the development process.

With its focus on minimalism, Buildroot creates compact root file systems that are tailored to the exact functions needed – ideal for resource-constrained embedded systems. Buildroot also eliminates complex package management at runtime, increasing system stability and reducing the attack surface.

When to choose Yocto vs. buildroot:

Choose Buildroot when …

your device has a clearly defined, fixed range of functions.
memory and storage on the target hardware are limited.
a small team needs to understand and maintain the build system quickly.
you do not need package management at runtime.

Choose Yocto when …

several vendors or suppliers contribute software that has to be maintained independently.
you maintain one distribution across several processor platforms.
you need to update individual software components separately.
your team can invest time in learning a more complex build system.

Buildroot as a Yocto alternative

If Yocto's flexibility is more than your project needs, Buildroot is a lean Yocto alternative. It produces the same core building blocks – toolchain, kernel, boot loader and root file system – with a flat structure that is easier to understand and maintain.

What does Ginzinger work with?

Ginzinger uses System Builder primarily to generate a large part of the software components for GELin. As an in-house embedded Linux distribution, GELin has existed at Ginzinger electronic systems for over ten years. Software components are built for exactly one processor architecture - for example the i.MX processor series from NXP.

GELin forms a user-friendly abstraction layer to make the complexity of the system builder and software components easily manageable.

Ginzinger relies on Buildroot as a tool. The centralized maintenance, without the layers common with Yocto, simplifies communication with the community and collaboration. The simple, clear and flat structures are easy to understand, save resources and can be mastered relatively quickly.

Buildroot's lean structure allows Ginzinger to fully focus on implementing highly optimized solutions for end customers. Together with the years of development knowhow this means an enormous advantage for the end customer.

FAQ

In most cases, yes. Buildroot has a flat, clear structure without layers, which developers can usually master relatively quickly. Yocto's multi-layer model offers more flexibility but requires more time to learn.

Both tools generate the same basic building blocks, but their configurations are structured differently and cannot be transferred on a one-to-one basis. It is possible to switch between them, but this means rebuilding the configuration in the other tool.

Finding out more about GELin

Ginzinger embedded linux distribution