'''This is a proposal page; if you want to add your own proposal application, use the SummerOfCode/StudentApplicationTemplate and copy it to a sub-page named after you, link to that page from here.'''

= Cross-build Debian Installer =
 * '''Mentor''': DebianInstaller, EmDebian, [[PerAndersson|avtobiff]]?
 * '''Summary''': Add support for cross-building to the Debian installer build process
 * '''Required skills''':
  * Familiarity or interest in learning how DebianInstaller works
  * C programming
  * Shell script
  * Familiarity with cross-building and cross-compiling
 * '''Description''':
  The build process for Debian installer currently does not support cross-building, it has to be built natively. For instance building an ARM version of Debian installer has to be done on an actual ARM machine, which takes quite a while. Adding cross-building support could possibly improve the developer experience. Another advantage is build custom Debian installer images for an embedded system, a lot faster, on a desktop machine

As a starting point, students might wish to look at the current Debian installer source and build process. Emdebian can be interesting to have a look at for cross building.

'''WARN: This idea needs to be extended and point out what cross compiling debian-installer implies (library reduction can be an issue).'''

[[http://blog.bofh.it/debian/id_265|debootstrap supports cross-building]], but the second stage still needs to be run on the target architecture or by emulation (qemu).

Comment: Would it be better to write our own cross-installer (debootstrap based) or hack on d-i complexity for a great? achievement

Please contact us on debian{-embedded,-boot}@lists.debian.org before applying.

== Proposals ==
* [[SummerOfCode2010/CrossbuildDebianInstaller/arvindkhadri]]
* [[SummerOfCode2010/CrossbuildDebianInstaller/jishnu]]

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CategoryEmdebian