Understanding your options

Like all things Linux, there are various ways to do each of the items below. This page can help you get an overview of the choices.

Ways to get the kernel loaded

 * 1) Load the kernel ELF file w/ CCS
 * 2) Load the kernel binary image w/ CCS or IBL
 * 3) Load the kernel as part of a bootblob w/CCS or IBL

Ways to configure the command line

 * 1) Poke a fixed address with CCS after kernel load
 * 2) Use bootblob to set the command line of a kernel binary or bootblob
 * 3) Compile it into the kernel at build time

Ways to get a root file system

 * 1) Build an initramfs image into the kernel
 * 2) * Requires a kernel build for each filesystem change
 * 3) * volatile & read-write
 * 4) Use NFS root
 * 5) * adjust parameters via the cmdline
 * 6) * can change dynamically from target or host
 * 7) * non-volatile & read-write
 * 8) Create a bootblob w/ kernel and initramfs
 * 9) * use initrd= cmdline
 * 10) * quick to change
 * 11) * volatile & read-write
 * 12) Create a bootblob w/ kernel and readonly file system (ext2/3, romfs)
 * 13) * use platram= cmdline
 * 14) * quick to change
 * 15) Create a bootblob w/ romfs kernel and readonly file system (ext2/3, romfs)
 * 16) * special kernel build needed once
 * 17) * quick to change
 * 18) * no cmdline param needed

Ways to get console access

 * 1) Use CCS & cio driver
 * 2) * Requires CCS to load kernel from ELF file
 * 3) * output only
 * 4) Use UART
 * 5) * Not available on DSK6455 or Dual 6474 EVMs
 * 6) Use netconsole
 * 7) * output only
 * 8) Use telnet
 * 9) * not available for kernel boot
 * 10) * can be combined with other methods

Ways to get an application on the target

 * 1) Build it into the initramfs or read-only file system image
 * 2) Use NFS root
 * 3) Use tftpget or ftpget from target
 * 4) Use an NFS mount from within the ram resident root