Support Linux bootloader More, developed into the 2010, there have been some inevitable results, some bootloader has disappeared, some bootloader have been replaced, some bootloader were merged, some although in development, But has retreated to a remote corner. Now let's introduce a bootloader of mainstream or application.
GRUB/GRUB2:Grub is mainly for the x86 series processor bootloader, while supporting the server-level Powerpc/mips processor, once as a successor of Lilo (formerly Linux + x86 mainstream bootloader), and now finally, Lilo has ceased to evolve, The Grub family is big and normal, after all, Lilo is not as powerful as grub. Now GRUB has developed into the second generation of GRUB2, and as a GNU project, the follow-up development is not a problem.
coreboot:Once called Linuxbios, known as the x86 bios of the complete replacement, but not as fortunate as grub, was first loved by Intel, then abandoned, developed for many years, and did not achieve their goals, but coreboot using C language development, Unlike the BIOS, the use of obscure assembly language, openness is better, than the bios of the over-sealing, more in line with the trend, but not by Intel like, currently only in the difficult to move forward.
U-boot: Mainstream Linux bootloader, supports many CPU processor architectures such as X86/arm/powerpc/mips. Originally U-boot was ppcboot, later and Ppcboot ported to arm processing version armboot merge renamed U-boot, followed by continuous addition of other processing support, and constantly improve the shell tools, and then developed into the mainstream of Linux bootloader. Its strong development capabilities, excellent code architecture is amazing.
Redboot:The bootloader developed by Red Hat, which supports many CPU processor architectures, is a combination of ecos operating systems that limits the development of Redboot, and when Red Hat abandons the Ecos operating system, Redboot becomes more and more aging, The presence of the branch is unavoidable, and Intel has developed Redboot support for IXP/IOP XScale processing support, but it is only available to Intel's own customers, and Redboot has become a non-mainstream bootloader.
Yamon:For MIPS series processor bootloader, mainly by the MIPS company developed the core code, using MIPS kernel development application processor manufacturers will be based on the development of MIPS company core code Yamon to expand their code, Sigma Design smp8xxx The bootloader of the HD multimedia processor is this implementation, which compensates for U-boot's lack of support for MIPS processors. In a sense, Yamon is an option for MIPS processor bootloader.
Finally, review the mainstream version has stopped the development of Bootloader:lilo, Rolo, blobs, Pmon, Sh-boot, Bootldr, and so on, these bootloader you may have some ears to ask, perhaps not know. As a Linux developer, as long as you are familiar with the mainstream Linux system bootloader, the use of Bootloader Linux system will have a perceptual understanding. Of course there will be manufacturers for their own or partner processors (such as ARM core) to develop their own bootloader such as Vivi, rrload, etc., but unique things, unless special, it is not recommended to use.
(author Feng Qinghua embedded Studio-supervisor)
< reprint please note the name of the route >
Copyright NOTICE: This article for Bo Master original article, without Bo Master permission not reproduced.
A brief introduction to the bootloader Embedded Studio-linux System (review)
