# Barebox

> multi architecture Boot system

**Wikidata**: [Q4034854](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4034854)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barebox)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/barebox

## Summary
Barebox is a multi-architecture bootloader and firmware system used to initialize hardware and load operating systems on embedded devices. It is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0 and is actively maintained with regular releases.

## Key Facts
- Barebox is classified as both firmware and a bootloader, providing low-level control for device hardware initialization
- The project uses C and assembly language for development, with source code available on GitHub and Pengutronix's cgit repository
- Latest stable version as of November 2019 was 2019.11.0, released on November 7, 2019
- Barebox has a logo available under Creative Commons license and maintains a website at barebox.org
- The project communicates via a mailing list and has a Mastodon presence at barebox@fosstodon.org

## FAQs
### Q: What is Barebox used for?
A: Barebox is used as a bootloader and firmware system to initialize hardware and load operating systems on embedded devices, providing the essential software layer between hardware and higher-level operating systems.

### Q: What programming languages is Barebox written in?
A: Barebox is primarily written in C, with assembly language components for low-level hardware interaction and optimization.

### Q: Is Barebox free software?
A: Yes, Barebox is free software licensed under the GNU General Public License version 2.0, allowing users to freely use, modify, and distribute the code.

## Why It Matters
Barebox plays a critical role in the embedded systems ecosystem by providing a reliable, flexible bootloader solution for a wide range of hardware architectures. As devices become increasingly complex and diverse, having a robust firmware layer that can properly initialize hardware, handle boot-time configuration, and load operating systems is essential. Barebox addresses this need by offering a modern, actively maintained alternative to older bootloader solutions, with support for multiple architectures and a focus on security and reliability. Its open-source nature also allows manufacturers and developers to customize and optimize the bootloader for their specific hardware requirements, contributing to the broader ecosystem of embedded Linux development.

## Notable For
- Multi-architecture support, making it versatile across different hardware platforms
- Active development with regular releases and community engagement through mailing lists and social media
- Integration of modern features while maintaining compatibility with existing systems
- Open-source licensing under GPL v2.0, promoting transparency and community contribution
- Professional backing from Pengutronix, ensuring long-term maintenance and support

## Body
### Development and Architecture
Barebox is developed using a combination of C and assembly language, allowing for both high-level functionality and low-level hardware optimization. The project maintains source code repositories on both GitHub and Pengutronix's cgit platform, providing multiple access points for developers and users.

### Version History and Releases
The project follows a regular release schedule, with version 2019.11.0 being the latest stable release as of November 2019. Previous versions include 2019.05.0 (May 10, 2019), 2017.08.0 (July 31, 2017), and 2015.07.0 (July 3, 2015). Each release includes bug fixes, new features, and support for additional hardware platforms.

### Community and Support
Barebox maintains an active community through its mailing list and Mastodon presence, providing channels for users to ask questions, report issues, and contribute to development. The project's website at barebox.org serves as a central hub for documentation, downloads, and community resources.

### Technical Features
As a bootloader, Barebox provides essential functionality including hardware initialization, boot configuration management, and operating system loading. Its multi-architecture support allows it to work across various embedded platforms, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and developers working with different hardware configurations.

## References

1. [The barebox Open Source Project on Open Hub: Languages Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/barebox/analyses/latest/languages_summary)
2. [Source](http://lists.infradead.org/pipermail/barebox/2017-July/030855.html)
3. [Source](http://lists.infradead.org/pipermail/barebox/2019-May/038017.html)
4. [Source](http://lists.infradead.org/pipermail/barebox/2019-November/039910.html)
5. [Source](http://lists.infradead.org/pipermail/barebox/2018-March/032273.html)
6. [The barebox Open Source Project on Open Hub: Code Locations Page. Open Hub](https://www.openhub.net/p/barebox/enlistments)