Think inside the (mk)box—A tool for creating and deploying application-specific Linux images utilized in a SiLA software development process

Abstract

Generally the number of software and hardware components that need to communicate seamlessly with each other is fast increasing in the digital lab environment. Many of these systems are customized for a specific task or application, practically involving software development. Such software can range from simple pump controls to management systems, over SiLA 2 drivers for laboratory instruments. Once developed, this software needs to be installed and maintained on the desired hardware. In addition, managing the configuration of the software is equally important for successful use in the laboratory. In case of hardware problems or failure, reinstalling the software may become difficult if the information is lost. With this article, it is explained how this problem can be solved with an automated workflow and developed software, mkbox - a tool for creating reliable application-specific Linux images. The goal of mkbox is to create Linux images using simple description files. Images can be distributed to target devices in the laboratory by using the integrated update and deployment mechanism. Using the mkbox tool has simplified the development workflow in the lab environment and reduced the time required to maintain software on target devices.

Keywords

• Linux images
• Gateway Module
• Single board computer
• SiLA 2