Frequently Asked Questions

What is T2 SDE and how is it different from other Linux distros?

T2 is not a traditional Linux distribution; it's a source-based meta-distribution. It provides the tools and scripts to build your own custom distro tailored to specific use cases, hardware, or performance goals.

How long does it take to build a base system?

Depends on your machine, but expect several hours on a modern CPU. More if you're targeting multiple architectures or full desktop environments, or build on an older system.

Does T2 support cross-compilation?

Absolutely, it’s designed to support cross-compiling for all -even exotic- GCC and Clang supported CPU architectures.

How does T2 compare to Linux From Scratch, Buildroot and Gentoo?

In short, T2 is fully automated compared to manually following the LFS book, supports more packages than Buildroot, and more CPU architectures and built-in cross compilation compared to Gentoo.

Can I use T2 to develop my own Linux-based distro?

Yes! Many embedded vendors and researchers use T2 for exactly that purpose. It’s extremely flexible and scriptable.

Why do I need to be root to build T2?

Some packages need to install files with special ownership and permissions that are not allowed to be set by a normal user. Additionally non-cross build packages are build inside a chroot sandbox environment, which requires root privilege as well. However, you can simply build it in containers or VMs.

Outstanding work! How much $$$ does it cost?

Nothing! T2 is released for free under the terms of the GNU General Public License (GPL).

GPL? Do I need to release my whole embedded system under the GPL as well?

No (of course not). T2 is a build system such as GNU make. It just builds the components together. Whether some components are binary-only with a proprietary license is up to you.

However, of course you have to honor the original licenses from the Linux kernel, Glibc, uClibc and Busybox et al. and publish those sources and your modifications, if any. If in doubt please consult your lawyer for licensing and related questions.