How to Choose A Right Linux Rugged Tablet: Yocto vs Debian

As the open-source community was developed, so has embedded systems’ popularization. Choosing an appropriate embedded operating system can make more functions to be implemented in a single device. The Linux distros, Yocto and Debian,  are by far the ideal choice for embedded systems. Let’ s look at the similarities and differences between the Yocto and Debian to select the right for your industry.

Yocto is not a formal linux distro actually, but a framework for developers to develop a customized Linux distro according to their own needs. Yocto includes a framework named OpenEmbedded (OE), which greatly simplifies the building process of embedded system by providing automatic build tools and a rich software package. Only by executing the command, the whole building process can be completed automatically, including downloading, decompressing, patching, configuring, compiling and generating. In addition, it allows users to install only the needed specific libraries and dependencies, which makes the Yocto-system occupy less memory space and can meet the needs of embedded environment with limited resources. In short, these features act as the catalyst for Yocto’s utilization for highly customized embedded systems.

Debian, on the other hand, is a mature universal operating system distro. It uses native dpkg and APT (Advanced Packaging Tool) to manage software packages. These tools are like huge supermarkets, where users can find all kinds of software they need, and they can get it easily. Accordingly, these large supermarkets will take up more storage space. In terms of desktop environment, Yocto and Debian also show differences. Debian provides a variety of desktop environment options, such as GNOME, KDE, etc., while Yocto does not contain a complete desktop environment or only provides a lightweight desktop environment. Thus Debian is more suitable for development as a desktop system than Yocto. Although Debian aims to offer a stable, secure and easy-to-use operating system environment, it also has a wealth of customization options to meet the specific customization needs.

In a word, in the field of open source operating system, Yocto and Debian have their own advantages. Yocto, with its high degree of customization and flexibility, performs well in embedded systems and IOT devices. Debian, on the other hand, is outstanding in server and desktop systems due to its stability and huge software library.

When choosing an operating system, it is very important to evaluate it according to the actual application scenarios and requirements. 3Rtable has two rugged tablet based on Yocto: AT-10AL and VT-7AL, and one based on Debian: VT-10 IMX. Both of them have solid shell design and high performance, which can work stably in extreme environments, meeting the requirements of agriculture, mining, fleet management, etc. You can only tell us your specific needs and application scenarios, and our R&D team will evaluate them, make the most appropriate solution and provide you with corresponding technical support.