bootloader introduction of embedded Linux system __linux

Original website: http://blog.csdn.net/akatope/article/details/6506101
bootloader introduction of embedded Linux system

SupportLinuxBootloader more, the development to 2010, there have been some inevitable results, some bootloader have disappeared, someBootloaderReplaced, some bootloader were merged, some, although in development, have retreated to a remote corner. Now for the mainstream or the application of a little broad bootloader do an introduction.
GRUB/GRUB2:Grub is primarily targeted at the x86 series of processors, while supporting the server-level Powerpc/mips processor, which once appeared as a successor to Lilo (the mainstream bootloader of the original Linux + x86), and now that Lilo has stopped developing, The Grub family is large and normal, and Lilo is not as powerful as grub. Now GRUB has developed into a second-generation GRUB2, and as a GNU project, follow-up development is not a problem.
coreboot:Once called Linuxbios, a complete replacement for the x86 BIOS, but not as lucky as grub, was first loved by Intel, then abandoned, developed for many years, and failed to achieve its goals; but Coreboot is developed using C language, Unlike the BIOS, the use of obscure assembly language, openness is better, than the bios of the excessive sealing to more in line with the trend, but not by Intel like, at present can only be difficult to move forward.
U-boot:Mainstream Linux bootloader, support X86/arm/powerpc/mips and many other CPU processor architectures. Initially U-boot was Ppcboot, later and Ppcboot ported to arm-processed versions of Armboot merge renamed U-boot, followed by continuous additions to other processing support, continuous improvements to shell tools, and then the development of the mainstream Linux bootloader. Its strong ability to develop, excellent code architecture is amazing.
Redboot:Bootloader, which is developed by Red Hat, supports many CPU processor architectures and ECOS operating systems, which limits the development of Redboot, and Redboot becomes more and more old when Red Hat gives up Ecos OS development. The presence of the branch is inevitable, Intel has developed Redboot support IXP/IOP XScale processing support code, but only for Intel's own customers to use, Redboot has become a non-mainstream bootloader.
Yamon:For the MIPS series processor bootloader, mainly by MIPS development of core code, the use of MIPS core development application processors will be based on MIPS company development of core code Yamon to expand their code, SIGMA design smp8xxx The bootloader of HD multimedia processor is this kind of realization, this kind of realization compensates the u-boot to the MIPS processor support insufficient. In a sense, Yamon is an option for MIPS processor bootloader.
    finally review the Bootloader:lilo, Rolo, blobs, Pmon, Sh-boot, BOOTLDR, etc. that the mainstream version has ceased to develop, and you may not be aware of these bootloader. As a Linux developer, as long as you are familiar with the mainstream Linux system bootloader, the Linux system using bootloader will have a perceptual understanding. Of course there will be manufacturers for their own or partner's processor (such as ARM core) to develop their own bootloader such as Vivi, rrload, but unique things, unless special, otherwise recommended not to use.