gentoo for fast booting embedded linux on pandaboard

[meka_usta]

Hi,

I want a fast booting linux on my pandaboard (<3s). I've installed gentoo and the boot time is 20 s. Before I sart modification in the kernel or bootloader: should I use buildroot or openembedded to setup a fast booting linux? Which solution is better for a fast booting linux? Custom built or gentoo?
thx

[schorsch_76]

The most time is often used in the initrd. Build a static kernel. Boot it without an initrd and you will save a lot of time. If the most time is used to start the services, you will need the same time in openembedded or buildroot or whatever you might use.

[meka_usta]

Hi schorch,

I that idea possible: packing a qt applikation into initrd to start the applikation as soon as possible (<3s)?

[schorsch_76]

Any QT Application would need xorg to run. I would use an static kernel and directly start on the root device without the need to run an initrd. The static kernel and static dev would cut down the time to probe for devices. Use an readonly rootfs to protect the rootfs from damage.

Use the smallest profile you could use and minimal software for your needs. The less software you need to start, the less time you need to start it. You could use slim to start your x terminal or you could use startx and .xinitrc to directly start your application without an window manager. You could use nodm to start xorg.

If the image is ready you could use squashfs for your rootfs. This often improves the speed (if the decompression on the CPU is fast enough).

[meka_usta]

Thank you, I will test that.

[meka_usta]

There's no initrd. The most time (10s) is needed from OpenRC. Is there a solution to save time?

[schorsch_76]

I have an embedded system where i did completly disable openrc. I changed to runit. Static-dev, no udev/eudev/systemd and static kernel. The system and services are up in 6.5 sec from cold boot. The system needed about 40 secs with standard openrc.

Precausions: Have a rescue system at hand. Be it a second sd card or whatever you might need. Make a backup before you start. That point is important!

1. compile an static kernel
2. change to static dev
3. emerge runit [1] or s6 [2]
4. Make service directories and run scripts for your services
5. add init=/sbin/runit to your kernel commandline

6. Measure Time

For 1. i did the following:

[meka_usta]

Thank you, I will work through the steps this weekend.