A root file system is required for all Linux systems. They can be difficult to build from scratch because of complex dependencies by each application.
The File System Hierarchy standard provides guidance to developers for laying out a file system for maximum compatibility and flexibility.
We presented a minimal file system as an example of how root file systems are created.
The Linux kernel's final boot steps define and control a Linux system's startup behavior. Several mechanisms are available depending on your embedded Linux system's requirements.
The init process was presented in detail. This powerful system-configuration and control utility can serve as the basis for your own embedded Linux system. System initialization based on init was presented, along with example startup script configurations.
Initial ramdisk is a Linux kernel feature to allow further startup behavior customization before mounting a final root file system and spawning init. We presented the mechanism and example configuration for using this powerful feature.
initramfs simplifies the initial ramdisk mechanism, while providing similar early startup facilities. It is easier to use, does not require loading a separate image, and is built automatically during each kernel build.
6.7.1. Suggestions for Additional Reading
File System Hierarchy Standard Maintained by freestandards.org www.pathname.com/fhs/
Boot Process, Init and Shutdown Linux Documentation Project http://tldp.org/LDP/intro-linux/html/sect_04_02.html
Init man page Linux Documentation Project http://tldp.org/LDP/sag/html/init.html
A brief description of System V init http://docs.kde.org/en/3.3/kdeadmin/ksysv/what-is-sysv-init.html
Booting Linux: The History and the Future Werner Almesberger www.almesberger.net/cv/papers/ols2k-9.ps
