Embedded Linux

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What Does Embedded Linux Mean?

Embedded Linux is a type of Linux operating system/kernel that is designed to be installed and used within embedded devices and appliances.

It is a compact version of Linux that offers features and services in line with the operating and application requirement of the embedded system.

Techopedia Explains Embedded Linux

Embedded Linux, though utilizing the same Linux kernel, is quite different from the standard Linux OS. Embedded Linux is specifically customized for embedded systems. Therefore it is has a much smaller size, requires less processing power and has minimal features. Based on the requirements of the underlying embedded system, the Linux kernel is modified and optimized as an embedded Linux version. Such an instance of Linux can only run device-specific purpose-built applications.

Android OS is a type of embedded Linux, customized to be used on smartphones. Other devices on which embedded Linux is used include:

  • Smart TVs
  • Wireless routers
  • Tablet PCs
  • Navigation devices
  • Other industrial and consumer electronic equipment

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Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert
Margaret Rouse
Technology Expert

Margaret is an award-winning technical writer and teacher known for her ability to explain complex technical subjects to a non-technical business audience. Over the past twenty years, her IT definitions have been published by Que in an encyclopedia of technology terms and cited in articles by the New York Times, Time Magazine, USA Today, ZDNet, PC Magazine, and Discovery Magazine. She joined Techopedia in 2011. Margaret's idea of a fun day is helping IT and business professionals learn to speak each other’s highly specialized languages.