2024-12-03 –, kirkstone
Containers are providing new possibilities for embedded systems. They allow separation of applications, updates independent of the host system, isolation of hardware and more.
During this hands-on class we will explore:
- Introduction into containers and how they differ from other virtualization techniques
- Building a container host system with the Yocto Project and launching a container
- Building containers with the Yocto Project from Yocto Project packages
- Building containers from upstream repositories e.g. Docker.io with the Yocto Project using Podman and Docker compose files
Containers are nowadays commonly used in enterprise computing. Embedded systems are catching up as developers are looking to leverage the advantages for them.
With the Yocto Project there are two principal approaches to building containers for a host system:
- Build the container from packages also built by the Yocto Project
- Build the container from upstream registries like a public (e.g. Docker.io) or private repository
While the former approach leaves everything under control of the Yocto Project (licensing, software bill of materials, secruity/CVE), the latter approach allows to leverage other work and integrate it with a system built by the Yocto Project.
Podman provides an alternative to Docker and Docker service for building containers. Because it does not require a server/service on the build host it can be better integrated with the Yocto Project.
I am a software developer and system architect providing hardware and software development services to my customers through my company ibeeto (www.ibeeto.com).
I have been developing systems using the Yocto Project for over 14 years and assisted my customers deploying them into automotive, industrial equipment, residential appliances and more.