The Linux Development Platform Configuring, Using, and ... - Classes

CH08.fm Page 239 Monday, October 7, 2002 9:16 PM
C HAPTER 8
Cross-Platform and
Embedded Systems
Development
A
s you have already learned in Chapter 3, development systems consist
of many tools. The discussion in Chapter 3 was about native
software development, which means that the host system on which the
software is developed and the target system on which the software runs
are the same. This chapter provides information about embedded and
cross-platform software development where the host system and the target
system are different. The issues in this type of development are slightly
different although basic programming methods and techniques remain the
same.
In this chapter I have used a single board computer from Arcom
(www.arcomcontrols.com) and a processor mezzanine card from Artesyn
(www.artesyn.com). I am thankful to both of these vendors. The Arcom
board is based upon a x86 compatible CPU and has four serial ports, an
Ethernet port and a number of other ports. The Artesyn board is PowerPC
based and it can be plugged into a Compact PCI career card. Information
about these boards can be obtained from the respective company web site.
I have listed some features at the end of this chapter.
Before reading this chapter, you should become familiar with a few concepts
related to cross-platform development. The most important terms
used in this chapter are cross and native. The term cross is used for tools
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