Scope

Aim and scope of this training

The goal of this training is to cover most of the technology used to create the Clear Linux* OS. It includes extensive instructions on how to use the tools and explains how the tools work internally. The training uses the tools to create a custom Clear Linux OS for your own purposes, be it testing, development or other.

A key point to this training is that we want to show users how Clear Linux OS is made and why it matters. For this reason, the training goes relatively deep into the methods used to create updates and how they are deployed to targets. The design is very different than what a traditional software developer would use, or what is used in the embedded sector. For that reason, the reality of how Clear Linux OS is made may be very different from what new users may expect.

The methodology centers heavily around the concept that the target devices should be able to update often and quickly. At the opposite side, on the server that generates the content, the Clear Linux OS uses more elaborate and time intensive methods to assure all clients can properly update, which explains some of the major differences between Clear Linux OS and other Linux distributions.

What isn't covered

This training document is meant to provide methods and tools for users in the public. It builds upon Open Source resources and server content that is available to the general public.

The training does not cover koji specifically. The Clear Linux OS team uses koji to maintain RPM repositories but it is only one method to maintain RPM repositories and it is not required. Clear Linux OS provides koji in a bundle for those that wish to use it.

There are many other aspects related to the maintenance of a good Linux OS that are not covered in this training, such as legal and liability aspects, license compliance, and others. Before you start maintaining a Linux OS yourself, you should be aware that you may have duties and requirements that you must follow, even if you are reusing content from the Clear Linux OS.