e2factory
| e2factory | |
|---|---|
| Basic data
|
|
| developer | emlix GmbH |
| Current version |
2.3.17p0 (December 14, 2018) |
| operating system | Linux |
| programming language | Lua |
| category | Build management tool |
| License | GPLv 3 |
| German speaking | No |
| e2factory.org | |
e2factory is a build automation framework and open source project for the development of embedded software systems . With the system, software components can be compiled into reproducible Linux Board Support Packages (BSPs) for industrial and consumer devices and maintained in a traceable manner.
The aim of the project is to support and automate the process of composition, configuration and compilation of source code into complex software systems for embedded systems. e2factory also includes mechanisms for version management and for validatable tracking and tracing of the construction processes and results.
e2factory is based on the functions of Git . It is plug-in capable and also supports other version management systems, license management or special building processes, for example with personal authorization management.
Millions of products around the world that often require certification are based on the development with e2factory. These are, for example, medical diagnostic devices, measurement systems or products with security approval and the resulting requirements for security patch management.
The build system is under the GNU General Public License Version 3. For professional use in companies, paid support services and extended documentation are available. A hosting solution is available for development in teams at different locations . Emlix GmbH, based in Göttingen, is continuously developing the core components (Build Engine) against industrial requirements.
Core functions
- Unique build ID for each build result (root checksum of the associated hash tree )
- Validatable integrity and reproducibility of all software versions and their documentation through checksum check (hash tree) of all input parameters (sources, build scripts, configuration, construction environment)
- Computer and person independence thanks to separate, distributed building in containers
- Traceability of requirements , build results and related documentation
- Automated generation of technical documentation and approval documents with transfer of information from the build process
- Security patches in the maintenance phase are reproducible and traceable
- Automated creation of a component list of software included ( Bill of Material )
- Support for integration in Continuous Integration (CI) systems
history
The first version of the embedded Linux development tool was developed in 2003 - at that time under the name eBS (emlix Build System). The aim of the project was to support a standard-compliant compilation of software systems for medical technology devices that are subject to certification. This is defined, for example, by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
In the further course of development, the system also supports development and maintenance according to standards such as IEC 62304 for medical device software or WELMEC for software in measuring and testing devices. These standards require reproducible build processes and strict version management.
e2factory was placed under the GPLv3 software license in 2009. The reason for this was that open source software can be validated more easily and supports the need for manufacturer independence and open standards.
Further development
The development tool for Linux-based Board Support Packages (BSP) and applications is maintained conservatively in order to ensure backward compatibility . New releases are compatible with previous e2factory versions.
Awards
In 2009, e2factory was nominated for the Embedded Award in the "Tools" category at embedded world .
The trade journal Elektronik has nominated e2factory in the category "Development Software" for "Product of the Year 2019".
Individual evidence
- ↑ emlix.com. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .
- ↑ emlix.com. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .
- ↑ emlix.com. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .
- ↑ emlix.com. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .
- ↑ The H. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .
- ↑ embedded-world.de. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .
- ↑ elektroniknet.de. Retrieved November 18, 2019 .