These Linux distros are used in IoT devices

With IoT devices, users tend to think they are quite simple. Even the simplest IoT devices run software to stay active and most of these devices are running Linux distro.

If you are not familiar with Linux distributions, you can imagine these devices have the same core operating system as Linux, and build tools around to meet specific needs. Because IoT devices have limited hardware resources compared to PCs, there are several distributions that are primarily directed towards this use case. Whether you're building a DIY project or just curious to discover, TipsMake.com has compiled a list of the most famous Linux distributions used in IoT devices. Let's find out later!

Yocto

Link to reference: https://www.yoctoproject.org/

These Linux distros are used in IoT devices Picture 1

The Yocto project website always confirms that this is not an embedded Linux distribution. Instead, the project argues that it creates a distribution exclusively for you. This allows you to combine a system with exactly what you need, without anything else. For hardware-restricted devices, this is very important.

Built on OpenEmbedded, Yocto projects allow developers to add GUI, middleware and other features as needed.

Android Things

These Linux distros are used in IoT devices Picture 2

Link to reference: https://developer.android.com/things

As its name suggests, Android Things is built on the Android operating system, but for IoT devices. This is part of the chaos of devices on the market, integrated with Google Assistant. Being able to run Android Things does not depend on each device. But if you have a smart speaker integrated with Google Assistant, it can run Android Things.

Besides the popularity for manufacturers, Android Things is also very popular for DIY enthusiasts. This operating system runs on popular and popular hardware like NXP i.MX7D and Raspberry Pi 3B.

Ubuntu Core

These Linux distros are used in IoT devices Picture 3

Link to reference: https://ubuntu.com/core

Ubuntu is so popular that even if Linux is completely alien to you, you may have heard of Ubuntu. Ubuntu Core is a shortened version of this operating system and can be run on embedded systems such as IoT devices.

One of the main goals of Ubuntu Core is security. The entire system is designed to be as secure as possible, with reliable digital signatures and packages unchanged. This is becoming increasingly important as more and more IoT devices appear.

Raspbian

These Linux distros are used in IoT devices Picture 4

Link to reference: https://raspbian.org/

If you've ever tinkered with the Raspberry Pi, Raspbian is probably familiar to you. Raspbian is built on the Debian platform and is dedicated to Raspberry Pi hardware. This makes Raspbian unable to access much consumer hardware, but makes a strong impression on those who care.

With Raspbian and cheap Raspberry Pi hardware, you can build everything from simple sensors to more advanced projects.

Debian

These Linux distros are used in IoT devices Picture 5

Link to reference: https://wiki.debian.org/DebianTinker/

Debian is another Linux distribution, like Ubuntu and Raspbian mentioned above. One sub-project, Debian Tinker, takes Debian as the root and modifies it to run on many different systems. One of them is IoT space. Other applications include smartphone modifications and other interesting projects.

Debian is not the most popular or easiest to use Linux distribution for IoT devices, but it is worth mentioning because of the impact it brings. Debian is also a great place to start, if you want to build a minimalist system from scratch.

The above distro is just a few examples. Of course, any Linux distribution can run on IoT devices (with some modifications), but here are some of the best starting points available.

Linux is not the only operating system that can power these devices. If you are curious, please refer to the article: What is Windows 10 IoT? And when do you use it? For more details.

Micah Soto

Update 17 June 2019

You should read it

May be interested

New privilege escalation vulnerability called 'Dirty Pipe' is threatening all Linux distros
recently, security researcher max kellermann shared about a security flaw called 'dirty pipe'. it affects linux kernel 5.8 and above and even android devices.
6 best Linux distros for gaming
linux is not very prominent when it comes to games, but that doesn't mean you can't play games on this platform. in fact, there are several gaming-focused linux distributions that provide built-in support for game libraries and game-focused hardware drivers, like graphics cards.
8 easy tools to create your own Linux Distro
you want to create your own distribution but don't know where to start and what tools to use, so read this article to learn about distro-creating tools yourself!
8 Best Linux Distros for Chromebooks
linux becomes the most suitable choice for chromebooks because it provides the features that users require.
5 reasons why Linux distros create their own desktop environment
most of us don't think of the desktop as separate from the operating system. the desktop is what you see on the screen - as with windows or macos. on linux, desktop options are extremely diverse.
4 interfaces and Linux distros that can be run on PinePhone
pine microsystems created pinephone. some mobile interfaces for linux support pinephone. that is very interesting, but it is important that you decide which option is right for you.
How to Update Arch Linux
how long has it been since you updated your arch linux system? whether you're using pure arch or arch-based distros like manjaro and garuda linux, updating the system is generally not complicated.
10 things to keep in mind when switching to Linux mobile operating system
because it is an important component of the android operating system (os), linux is still very important to the mobile world. however, while android uses the linux kernel, it is just a linux distribution, but linux for mobile devices offers a completely different experience. find out why using a linux mobile phone is a great option, as well as a downside when switching from your favorite mobile operating system to this operating system.
How to install Kali Linux dual boot on macOS
since the release of kali linux 1.0.8, kali linux supports adding efi. this additional feature simplifies the process of installing and running potassium on various apple macbook air, pro and retina models. modeling the device will determine the level of success when users experience with newer devices. refind preinstallation can also increase the success rate on older devices. this tutorial will show you dual osx booting with kali linux using refind and encryption options
How to install Kali Linux on Android using Linux Deploy
installing kali linux on android devices is no longer a difficult job thanks to the linux deploy tool. read the following article to learn how to do it.