.. _operating_systems:

Operating Systems
=================

SiMa.ai supports two Linux-based operating systems across its hardware
platforms: **Yocto Linux** and **eLxr Linux**. Each platform ships with a
different default OS image depending on the DevKit model and manufacturing
date.

- **MLSoC DevKits** ship with **Yocto Linux** preloaded.
- **Modalix DevKits** shipped **after mid-December 2025** come with
  **eLxr Linux** preloaded.
- Earlier Modalix units (shipped before mid-December 2025) is preloaded with Yocto
  and can be converted to eLxr following the :ref:`devkit_elxr_conversion` article.

Yocto Linux
-----------

Yocto Linux is a minimal, embedded-oriented distribution designed for
deterministic behavior, small footprints, and tightly controlled build
environments. It provides:

- A highly optimized OS for MLSoC hardware
- Reproducible builds and strict dependency control
- A lightweight runtime image tailored for embedded workloads

eLxr Linux
----------

eLxr is a Debian-based OS engineered for a more flexible developer
experience on the Modalix platform. It offers:

- Full Debian package management (``apt``)
- A richer user-space environment for development and debugging
- The ability to build and install tools directly on the device

Benefits of eLxr on Modalix
---------------------------

Modalix users gain a more developer-friendly environment, including:

- Access to standard Debian packages
- Faster iteration without cross-compilation
- Simplified toolchain management
- A broader ecosystem of libraries and frameworks