What is a Toolchain?

A toolchain is a collection of development tools including a Crosstool Compiler, linker, and runtime libraries. It is used to convert source code into executable binaries that run on a target embedded device. Toolchains are essential for building the 3 core components of an embedded Linux OS:

The bootloader
The Linux kernel
The root filesystem

Toolchains must support key programming languages such as Assembly, C, and C++, which are widely used in the development of open-source embedded software. These languages form the foundation of most components and packages used in Linux on embedded systems, making their support critical for building stable and functional systems.

What Are the Types of Toolchains?

Native toolchain

A native toolchain compiles and runs programs on the same hardware and operating system. In this setup, both the compiler and the target executable operate on the same system. This approach is typically common on desktops, laptops, and servers. Additionally, in embedded systems, devices like the Raspberry Pi can use native compilers when running full Linux distributions. Consequently, this method simplifies development by eliminating the need for cross-compilation or file transfers.

Cross toolchain

A cross toolchain, also known as a cross-platform toolchain, enables developers to compile code on one system and generate executables for a different target platform. In other words, they build the software on a powerful PC and then deploy it to a resource-constrained embedded device. This method proves especially beneficial when the target system lacks the capacity to handle compilation. Furthermore, developers rely on cross-compilation in embedded development to overcome hardware limitations. It not only accelerates the build process but also supports efficient testing without overloading the target system.

Cross-Platform vs Native Toolchain

Name Of The Feature

Cross Toolchain

Native Toolchain

Target Platform

Different from host system

Same as host system

Example

Compiling for ARM on an x86 Linux PC

Compiling for x86 on an x86 Linux PC

Compiler

Cross-compiler

Native Compiler

Binary Output

Runs on target device, not host

Runs on the host machine

Toolchain Setup

Usually more complex; requires cross-compilation tools

Simple tools are often pre-installed

Testing

Requires hardware or emulator for target

Can be tested directly on the same system.

What Are Toolchains Used For?

Toolchains allow developers to compile software on a host machine (e.g., x86) for execution on a different architecture (e.g., ARM), which is essential for embedded development.
Developers use toolchains to compile all major components of an embedded Linux system, including the Linux kernel, root filesystem (RootFS) and bootloader (such as U-Boot), for the target hardware architecture. This process, known as building a toolchain for devices, ensures that the binaries run correctly on the embedded hardware.
Toolchains often come with tools like gdb (GNU Debugger) and gprof that help developers debug and profile applications running on the target hardware or emulated environments like QEMU.
Using a single toolchain via crosstool-NG ensures consistency between the kernel, bootloader, and applications, reducing runtime errors due to binary incompatibility.

How Are Toolchains Used in Devices?

QEMU Toolchain Setup

BeagleBone-Toolchains Setup

Raspberry Pi Toolchain Setup

Project Insight – Video Presentation

FAQs

What is a cross‑compilation toolchain?

A cross-compilation toolchain is a set of tools (compiler, linker, debugger, etc.) used to build software. A cross‑compilation toolchain runs on one platform but generates code for another architecture.

What are the three components of a toolchain? How to update your toolchain components?

The three components of toolchain typically include a Compiler (translates code to machine language), a Linker (combines code into an executable) & Runtime Libraries (Provide essential system functions).

To update toolchain components, use ct-ng menuconfig to edit the configuration, then run ct-ng build to rebuild. You can also increment the version or update the date tag if needed.

What’s the difference between native and cross-compiling?

The difference between native and cross-compiling is that the Native builds run on your host OS and generate code for the same platform, while cross-compiling builds on one platform (your PC) but generates binaries for another (like ARM).

What are the basics of Embedded Linux and its development process?

Embedded Linux is a lightweight version of the Linux operating system designed to run on embedded systems like routers, IoT devices, and single-board computers. Embedded Linux development refers to building, customizing and deploying Linux-based software for these constrained devices, often involving cross-compilation, device driver integration and system optimization.

Why is Linux used in Embedded Systems?

Linux is widely used in embedded systems due to its open-source nature, flexibility, robust driver support, and scalability. It allows developers to customize the system to meet specific hardware and application requirements, and offers a rich set of development tools, making it ideal for embedded software development.

What is the use of toolchain?

A toolchain is used to compile, link and build software for a specific target platform. It enables developers to convert source code into executable binaries, especially useful in cross-compiling for embedded systems.

What is the difference between compiler and toolchain?

The difference between a compiler and toolchain is that a compiler translates source code into machine code, while a toolchain includes the compiler along with additional tools like a linker, assembler, debugger and runtime libraries—everything needed to build and debug complete software for a target system.

Our Resources

What is a Toolchain?

What Are the Types of Toolchains?