Exploring Embedded Linux Systems

This chapter exposes the reader to the core concepts, commands, and tools required to effectively manage the Raspberry Pi embedded Linux system. The first part of the chapter is descriptive; it explains the basics of embedded Linux and the Linux boot process. After that, the reader is encouraged to learn step by step how to manage Linux systems. For this exercise, they are strongly encouraged to open a terminal connection to the Raspberry Pi or a terminal window on the Raspberry Pi and follow along. Next, the chapter describes the Git source code management system. This topic is an important one because the source code examples in this book are distributed via GitHub. Desktop virtualization is also described; it is useful for cross-platform development in later chapters. The chapter finishes by describing how the reader can download the source code examples for this book.