DietLinux is a software distribution that utilizes the dietlibc library as its basis.
DietLinux is a distribution based on dietlibc that offers a streamlined and optimized boot process. It features a 2.6.x linux kernel, and does not support older kernels that lack support for devfs and tmpfs. The upcoming 0.2 release promises to support booting from cdrom, floppy or usb-stick on all systems with at least 8mb of RAM.
With the new release, the boot process will be uniform for all media. The root filesystem's ramdisk images are eliminated completely, and the initrd-images are reduced in size to around 60k when uncompressed. A kernel can be used with the boot system if it has support for initrd, tmpfs and devfs. Users must configure the bootloader and provide bootparameters such as 'init=/linuxrc' and 'root=/dev/ram0.'
During the bootup phase, the first part is handled in linuxrc. The kernel starts linuxrc, along with two directories in the ramdisk – /dev with mounted devfs and /rootfs. Next, linuxrc mounts a tmpfs at /rootfs, creates basic directories in the rootfs, and chdirs to /rootfs. It then pivots root and chdirs/chroots in the new root. The old contents of the initrd are under /initrd. Additionally, linuxrc remounts initrd/dev under /dev and mounts /proc.
The second stage of linuxrc continues the process, still powered by initrd. Linuxrc creates all directories in the rootfs, mounts procfs and sysfs, and initialises the built-in package system. This includes finding a file called 'dietlinux-media' in the media root and the name of the initial package to load. After loading the package system (apkg), it boots successfully with a package set for the rootfs.
Overall, DietLinux's streamlined and optimized boot process makes it an excellent distribution for users running older systems or looking for a lightweight, fast operating system. Its upcoming 0.2 release will offer better bootup support and will maintain the system's overall optimization.
With the new release, the boot process will be uniform for all media. The root filesystem's ramdisk images are eliminated completely, and the initrd-images are reduced in size to around 60k when uncompressed. A kernel can be used with the boot system if it has support for initrd, tmpfs and devfs. Users must configure the bootloader and provide bootparameters such as 'init=/linuxrc' and 'root=/dev/ram0.'
During the bootup phase, the first part is handled in linuxrc. The kernel starts linuxrc, along with two directories in the ramdisk – /dev with mounted devfs and /rootfs. Next, linuxrc mounts a tmpfs at /rootfs, creates basic directories in the rootfs, and chdirs to /rootfs. It then pivots root and chdirs/chroots in the new root. The old contents of the initrd are under /initrd. Additionally, linuxrc remounts initrd/dev under /dev and mounts /proc.
The second stage of linuxrc continues the process, still powered by initrd. Linuxrc creates all directories in the rootfs, mounts procfs and sysfs, and initialises the built-in package system. This includes finding a file called 'dietlinux-media' in the media root and the name of the initial package to load. After loading the package system (apkg), it boots successfully with a package set for the rootfs.
Overall, DietLinux's streamlined and optimized boot process makes it an excellent distribution for users running older systems or looking for a lightweight, fast operating system. Its upcoming 0.2 release will offer better bootup support and will maintain the system's overall optimization.
What's New