# firmware

> computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware

**Wikidata**: [Q104851](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q104851)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Firmware)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/firmware

## Summary
Firmware is computer software that provides low-level control for a device's specific hardware, enabling basic functions like initialization and communication. It is a critical component of electronic devices, ranging from computers to embedded systems, and often includes proprietary or custom versions developed by third parties to enhance functionality or unlock hidden features.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Firmware is a subclass of software, specifically designed for hardware control.
- **Parent Classes**: Computer hardware, software, Kickstart (Amiga firmware), custom firmware, proprietary firmware, router firmware, and computer firmware.
- **Preceded/Succeeded By**: Assembler (program that converts assembly language to machine code), computer hardware, kernel (core of an operating system).
- **Runs On/Requires**: Electronic devices.
- **Related Entities**: Software category, Canon Hack Development Kit, ABIOS (IBM BIOS), OpenTX (free OS for model radio controls), INAV (UAV control software), Cleanflight (UAV control software), MultiWii (first 8-bit UAV control software), EdgeTX (R/C radio firmware), BLHeli (ESC firmware), OpenWrt (Linux distribution for routers), OpenMQTTGateway (MQTT-Gateway), Sound Open Firmware, ESPHome (home automation framework), GNU Boot, CORE sensor firmware, OpenSBI (RISC-V SBI), Slimline Open Firmware, oreboot (replaces proprietary BIOS/UEFI), RustSBI (RISC-V SBI in Rust), Tasmota (ESP firmware), BOOTBOOT (micro-kernel loader), MeshCore (off-grid messaging platform), System76 Open Firmware (open-source computer firmware), Logitech Unifying receiver firmware, OsmocomBB (GSM firmware), Magic Lantern (Canon camera firmware, 2009), MegaRAC (firmware), BootROM (read-only memory for booting), PX4 autopilot (drone control software), coreboot (replaces proprietary BIOS/UEFI), Barebox (boot system), C-BIOS (open-source BIOS), Cromwell (Xbox firmware), Intel Management Engine (CPU firmware), ARCS (SGI bootloader), Ardupilot (RC vehicle control software, 2009), Betaflight (FPV drone control software), OpenTX (radiocommande firmware), DGA4131 FW_248 (Technicolor router firmware), Video BIOS (firmware), OpenBIOS (free Open Firmware implementation).
- **Aliases**: Microprogramme, micrologiciel, microgiciel, micro programme, Hardwarenahe Software, 軔體, 固件, прошивка, встроенная программа, البرنامج الثابت, البرمجيات الجامدة, البرامج المَبْنية, البرمجيات الراسخة.
- **Wikipedia Coverage**: Available in 48 languages, with the most extensive content in English.
- **Google Play Store**: Fastvare_-_IT (related app).

## FAQs
- **What is the difference between firmware and software?**
  Firmware is a specialized type of software designed to control hardware at a low level, while general software runs on top of an operating system and interacts with users directly.

- **Who creates custom firmware?**
  Custom firmware is often created by third parties, such as developers, hobbyists, or companies, to add features or bypass restrictions in devices like game consoles or embedded systems.

- **Is firmware proprietary or open-source?**
  Firmware can be either proprietary (restricted by manufacturers) or open-source (freely modifiable), with examples like OpenWrt and coreboot being open-source alternatives.

- **What is the role of firmware in computers?**
  Firmware in computers initializes hardware during boot, manages basic functions, and provides a bridge between hardware and higher-level software like the operating system.

- **Can firmware be updated?**
  Yes, firmware can be updated to fix bugs, improve performance, or add new features, though some devices may require specialized tools or risk bricking if improperly updated.

## Why It Matters
Firmware is essential for the functionality of electronic devices, ensuring that hardware operates correctly and efficiently. It enables basic operations like booting, power management, and device communication, making it a foundational component of computing and embedded systems. The development of open-source firmware projects, such as coreboot and OpenWrt, has democratized access to hardware control, allowing users to customize and optimize their devices. Additionally, firmware plays a critical role in security, as vulnerabilities in firmware can expose devices to exploits, making it a target for both malicious actors and researchers.

## Notable For
- **First Open-Source Firmware**: Coreboot is a notable project that aims to replace proprietary BIOS/UEFI with open-source alternatives.
- **Embedded Systems**: Firmware is widely used in embedded systems, such as routers, drones, and IoT devices, to provide low-level control.
- **Customization**: Custom firmware allows users to unlock hidden features or modify device behavior, as seen in projects like Magic Lantern for Canon cameras.
- **Security Research**: Firmware is a focus of security research, with projects like OsmocomBB exploring vulnerabilities in mobile communications hardware.
- **Hardware Abstraction**: Firmware abstracts hardware complexity, enabling higher-level software to interact with devices uniformly.

## Body
### Classification and Relationships
Firmware is a specialized subclass of software, distinct from general-purpose applications. It is closely related to computer hardware, as it directly controls physical components. Firmware can be proprietary, restricting modifications, or custom, developed by third parties to enhance functionality. It is often used in embedded systems, such as routers and drones, where low-level control is essential.

### Preceded and Succeeded By
Firmware follows assembler, which converts assembly language into machine code, and precedes the kernel, the core of an operating system. This positioning reflects its role as an intermediary between hardware and software.

### Runs On/Requires
Firmware operates on electronic devices, providing the necessary low-level instructions to initialize and manage hardware components. Without firmware, many devices would not function properly.

### Related Entities
Firmware is interconnected with numerous software projects and hardware systems, including:
- **Open-Source Alternatives**: Projects like OpenWrt, coreboot, and OpenSBI provide open-source firmware solutions for routers, computers, and RISC-V systems.
- **Embedded Systems**: Firmware is used in drones (PX4 autopilot, Ardupilot), radio controls (OpenTX, EdgeTX), and IoT devices (ESPHome, Tasmota).
- **Security and Research**: Firmware like OsmocomBB and Magic Lantern is studied for vulnerabilities and customization potential.

### Notable Projects
- **Coreboot**: Aims to replace proprietary BIOS/UEFI with open-source firmware, supporting a wide range of hardware.
- **OpenWrt**: A Linux distribution for routers and embedded systems, known for its flexibility and open-source nature.
- **Magic Lantern**: A firmware add-on for Canon cameras, developed by Trammell Hudson in 2009, to unlock advanced features.

### Organizations and Developers
- **American Megatrends (AMI)**: A company that develops proprietary firmware, including BIOS and UEFI solutions.
- **Unified EFI Forum**: An organization focused on standardizing firmware interfaces, particularly for UEFI systems.

### Aliases and Terminology
Firmware is known by various terms across languages, including "micrologiciel" in French, "固件" in Chinese, and "прошивка" in Russian, reflecting its global relevance.

### Wikipedia and Digital Presence
Firmware has extensive Wikipedia coverage, with articles available in 48 languages, indicating its widespread interest and importance in computing. The term is also associated with a Google Play app, Fastvare_-_IT, suggesting its relevance to IT and hardware management.

### Impact and Significance
Firmware's role in enabling device functionality and security makes it a critical area of study and development. Its open-source alternatives, such as coreboot and OpenWrt, have empowered users to customize and optimize their hardware, while proprietary firmware remains a target for research and exploitation. The evolution of firmware reflects broader trends in hardware-software integration and the push for open-source solutions in technology.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
2. Library of Congress Subject Headings
3. National Library of Israel
4. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)