[clug] Booting without a bootloader & alternatives to /init

[Robert Edwards]

Ben Coughlan wrote:
> Hi All,
> 
> I'm working on using linux in very small/embedded environments and I'm 
> currently in the process of stripping linux down to fit a specific 
> system, and I have a couple of questions:
> 
> Is it possible to boot the kernel without using a bootloader?  I've seen 
> HOWTOs discussing how to do this with floppy disk, but I'm wondering how 
> it can be done from a hard drive, or a compact flash card.
> 
> Secondly; can I have the kernel run something other than /init when it's 
> done booting?  Ideally I would just like to call my application binary.  
> Are there any services I'll be missing if I don't use /init?  I don't 
> need to spawn a shell anywhere, but I would like some DHCP action.  I 
> would also enjoy being able to pass arguments to this binary if at all 
> possible.
> 
> And while I'm here;  I've compiled my kernel by starting with 'make 
> allnoconfig' and then rebooting/recompiling until I have a system 
> running with the required drivers.  Can anyone think of any boxes I 
> might want to tick that may not have been noticed in this process, 
> keeping in mind I want it as small and uncluttered as I can make it.
> 
> Regards,
> Ben Coughlan

Hi Ben,

Depending upon the BIOS features of your "very small/embedded" system,
you may want to look at replacing it with openbios, which is essentially
a BIOS replacement using a Linux kernel.

Essentially, you start the kernel "in place" in FLASH ROM (as opposed
to loading it from a FLASH device with a filesystem) and have it do all
your hardware initialisation etc. You obviously need a way to program/
reprogram your FLASH ROM without help from your main CPU (in case you
stuff up and "brick" your "very small/embedded" system...). If it is a
socketed ROM that is not so hard. Otherwise you may need a JTAG
interface to write the image to the FLASH ROM.

Advantages: saves lots of memory and boots _really_ fast...
Disadvantages: kernel upgrade takes on a whole new meaning...

Cheers,

Bob Edwards.