OS Image Buildfiles

An OS image is created by the mkifs utility. The utility creates the image according to command-line options and instructions in the buildfile. The buildfile is a plain text file that specifies:

• files and commands to include in the OS image
• the startup order for the executables in the OS image
• command-line arguments and environment variables for these executables
• loading options for the files and executables in the OS image

Locations of buildfiles

The buildfile for your BSP is located in the directory ${BSP_ROOT_DIR}/images/board.build. For example: x86_64-generics/images/x86_64-generic.build

Modifying buildfiles

To modify the OS image configuration using the buildfile, first review the information about the file's structure and content that this chapter provides. Then, make the required changes to the buildfile at the following location:
${BSP_ROOT_DIR}/images/board.build

The buildfile changes take effect after you rebuild your system. To rebuild your system, in ${BSP_ROOT_DIR}, run make. (Because the rebuild process overwrites the buildfile stored in the ${BSP_ROOT_DIR}/images directory, you cannot use that buildfile to modify the OS image.)

For more information on how to build a new system image after you have modified the buildfile, see the chapter Working with QNX BSPs in this guide. See also the mkifs entry in the Utilities Reference, and the appendix Sample Buildfiles in this guide.