Developing Tiny Core Linux extensions
Conclusion
Tiny Core extensions have a simpler structure than Debian packages, but they accomplish their task. These extensions allow you to load custom software into a Live operating system without wasting RAM or time.
Creating your own extension is easier than it seems. It is worth the effort if only for the experience of being a repository package maintainer. I found that generating an extension is very similar to creating a Slackware package. Despite the formatting differences, the process is pretty much the same: Compile or place the program into a folder and then encapsulate that directory. The biggest difference is the way install scripts are managed.
If you are interested in contributing to the official repository, sign up at the Tiny Core Linux forum [7]. The Tiny Core Linux community keeps a database of build scripts you can consult if you want to see how other users are creating their extensions. To see some of my extensions (official and unofficial), visit the Software directory of my Gopher server [8].
Submissions to the Tiny Core Linux repository are welcome at tcesubmit@gmail.com.
What Is Squashfs?
Squashfs is a read-only, compressed filesystem. Files are added to it upon filesystem creation, and its contents cannot be modified while the filesystem is mounted and in use.
Squashfs is a popular tool for Live operating systems, which are usually stored on read-only media (such as DVDs) or devices whose lifespan is reduced by write operations (USB pen drives). For example, Porteus packages, called modules, are compressed Squashfs filesystem images, as are SLAX modules.
Infos
- Tiny Core Linux: http://www.tinycorelinux.net
- "Micro Distros: The Tiniest Linux You Can Get" by Mike Saunders, Linux Magazine, issue 203, October 2017, https://www.linux-magazine.com/Issues/2017/203/Tiny-Distros
- x86 Pure 64: http://www.tinycorelinux.net/11.x/x86_64/
- AdoptOpenJDK 12 with Hotspot VM: https://github.com/AdoptOpenJDK/openjdk12-binaries/releases/download/jdk-12.0.2%2B10/OpenJDK12U-jdk_x64_linux_hotspot_12.0.2_10.tar.gz
- FHS 3.0: https://refspecs.linuxfoundation.org/FHS_3.0/fhs-3.0.txt
- Example info file for AdoptOpenJDK 12: http://www.tinycorelinux.net/11.x/x86_64/tcz/adoptopenjdk-12.tcz.info
- Tiny Core Linux Forum: http://forum.tinycorelinux.net/
- Extensions on Gopher server: http://gopher://gopher.operationalsecurity.es/1/Software/TCE/
The Author
Rubén Llorente is a mechanical engineer, whose job is to ensure that the security measures of the IT infrastructure of a small clinic are both law compliant and safe. In addition, he is an OpenBSD enthusiast and a weapons collector.
« Previous 1 2 3
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
US / Canada
UK / Australia
Direct Download
Read full article as PDF:
Price $2.95
News
-
Native GPU Driver for Apple Silicon Is Nearly Here
Full-blown Linux on the Apple M1 and M2 chips is almost a reality.
-
Linux Kernel 6.0 Officially Released
Although it will be some time before most Linux distributions ship with the latest kernel, the next major release is now available.
-
ExTiX 22.9 Released with Support for Installing Android Apps
The developers of the ExTiX Linux Distribution have released a new version that includes added support to make installing and using Android apps on the desktop a breeze.
-
System76 Skips Pop!_OS 22.10 to Focus on COSMIC Desktop
In a move that is sure to raise some eyebrows, System76 has chosen to concentrate on COSMIC Desktop instead of staying in step with Ubuntu releases.
-
New Look for System76 Thelio
System76 has given their already stellar Thelio desktop computer a redesign by way of the chassis accent panel.
-
Ubuntu Software Store Rumored to Replace Gnome Software
An alternative to GNOME Software has been written, using Flutter, and it’s making enough noise that Canonical is rumored to be considering using it as the default.
-
A New Arch-Based Linux Distribution Has Arrived
Crystal Linux is a new distribution with the goal of bringing the power of Arch Linux to the masses.
-
Fedora 37 Beta Available
The Fedora development team announced the beta for version 37 of the open-source operating system would be released on time on September 13, 2022.
-
Salix 15.0 Offers Updates and a Modernized Look
Salix is a Slackware-based Linux distribution with a new look and a goal of being fast, user-friendly, and highly stable.
-
Ubuntu 20.04.5 LTS Release Now Available
The latest point release of the Ubuntu 20.04 LTS distribution is now available and sports kernel 5.15.