What is a cross-compilation toolchain?

What is a cross-compilation toolchain?

A cross-compilation toolchain, which is the most interesting toolchain type for embedded development, is typically compiled on x86, runs on x86 and generates code for the target architecture (be it ARM, MIPS, PowerPC or any other architecture supported by the different toolchain components)

What is cross-compiler where it is used?

A cross compiler is a compiler capable of creating executable code for a platform other than the one on which the compiler is running. For example, a compiler that runs on a PC but generates code that runs on Android smartphone is a cross compiler. Cross compilers are distinct from source-to-source compilers.

What is toolchain Sysroot?

A sysroot is a directory which is considered to be the root directory for the purpose of locating headers and libraries. So for example if your build toolchain wants to find /usr/include/foo.

Which is the best toolchain for cross compiling?

Cross compiling a toolchain is the process of generating the set of required and optional tools used to generate machine code for a target machine different from the development machine. We will use GCC as the compiler for the purpose of this post.

Which is toolchain is compiled on x86 and generates code for x86?

A native toolchain, as can be found in normal Linux distributions, has usually been compiled on x86, runs on x86 and generates code for x86. A cross-native toolchain, is a toolchain that has been built on x86, but runs on your target architecture and generates code for your target architecture.

What kind of toolchain is used for embedded development?

Optionally, a toolchain may contain other tools such as a debugger or a compiler for a specific programming language, such as C++. Quite often, the toolchain used for embedded development is a cross toolchain, or more commonly known as a cross compiler.

How is a toolchain different from a host machine?

When talking about toolchains, one must distinguish three different machines: The build machine, on which the toolchain is built The host machine, on which the toolchain is executed The target machine, for which the toolchain generates code