Chapter 6. Creating a Linux Distribution from Scratch

Creating a Linux distribution from scratch is viewed as a daunting task, and it shouldn't be. The process involves creating a toolchain, using that toolchain to create a root file system, and then building a kernel. The process isn't complex, it just requires you to carefully follow many steps to build the proper tools. After you go over the instructions for building a toolchain and understand how it works, the smartest route may be to use a tool that builds a toolchain, such as crosstool-NG, to build the root file system and kernel.

In prior years, before Linux's popularity with board vendors and chip makers hit its stride, support for any hardware platform other than Intel's X86 was spotty; however, with Linux becoming the platform of choice for embedded devices, support for most embedded hardware platforms is part of the Linux kernel and toolchain.