Sections

Qt for Embedded Linux

Device -Fluke bluebox 120pxDevice - Roku blue box 120px Qt for Embedded Linux® is the leading application framework for devices powered by embedded Linux. You can use Qt to create highly memory efficient devices and applications that have completely unique user experiences.

Qt runs anywhere Linux runs. Qt’s intuitive API means fewer lines of code and higher level functionality in less time.

  • Compact windowing system for Linux
  • Develop for a wide variety of application processors
  • Port desktop code to embedded or vice versa just by recompiling
  • Compile out unused components and features
  • Utilize system resources and achieve native performance
  • Develop for embedded devices just as easily as for desktop

It is the foundation for Qt Extended, which is a UI and application platform for advanced multi-function devices, such as mobile and consumer electronics.

 

Qt supports the following platforms:
Embedded Linux
 Mac OS
 Windows
 Linux/X11
 Windows CE

Key Embedded Components

On top of all the tools and API and class libraries that Qt offers, such as WebKit, Qt for Embedded Linux provides you with key components for an optimized embedded development environment.

Compact & Efficient Windowing System (QWS)

Qt builds on the standard API for embedded Linux devices with its own compact window system. Qt-based applications write directly to the Linux framebuffer, eliminating the need for the X11 windowing system.

  • Reduced memory consumption and smaller footprint
  • Can take advantage of hardware accelerated graphics
  • Unused components and features can be compiled out

Virtual Frame Buffer (QVFb)

Qt for Embedded Linux provides a virtual frame buffer that will match the physical device display, pixel for pixel.

  • Realistic testing infrastructure
  • Embedded testing on the desktop
  • Simulate physical device display’s width, height and color depth

Inter-Process Communication (IPC)

IPC allows for creation of rich multi-application user experiences. Two main concepts define inter-process communication: channels and messages.

  • Processes listen on and send messages to channels
  • Channels are created whenever at least one process is listening.

Extended Font Format

Qt supports a wide range of font formats on embedded Linux including: TrueType®, Postscript® Type1 and Qt pre-rendered fonts. Qt has extended Unicode support including:

  • Automatic data extraction at build time
  • Automatic update at runtime

Plug-ins for custom font formats are also available allowing new font engines to be easily added at runtime. Font sharing capabilities between applications allow for increased memory efficiency.

Read more about other Qt components, such as:

 

Applications created with Qt for Embedded Linux can be ported to Windows CE and any other OS

that Qt supports.

Code Maintenance and Support

We take care of maintaining the API and future-proofing platform changes. Qt’s support and maintenance program provides general advice and guidance on the use of Qt APIs, functions, methods and programming techniques.

  Video Demo

Video: Embedded Demo Qt Embedded Demo A demonstration of the same
application running on embedded
Linux and Windows CE.
Play video
 

 

 

Document Actions
 

Patron of KDECustomers

Customers
Official Nokia site