Armbian

Armbian

Armbian Desktop image
Developer	Armbian community
OS family	Linux (Unix-like)
Working state	Current
Source model	Open source
Repository	github.com/armbian/build
Available in	English
Update method	APT
Package manager	dpkg
Platforms	ARM RISCV64 AMD64
Kernel type	Monolithic
Userland	GNU
License	GPLv2
Official website	www.armbian.com

Armbian is a computing build framework that allows users to create ready-to-use images with working kernels in variable user space configurations for various single board computers (SBCs). It provides various pre-build images for supported boards. Armbian's primary objective is to deliver a consistent and reliable system offering that can seamlessly operate on any of the numerous ARM single-board computers, often overlooked by mainstream operating systems.

Armbian is a simple, light, and fast Linux operating system optimized for development boards, offering a user-friendly experience for newcomers and professionals. The system is designed to minimize SD card wear. It can be accessed via serial, HDMI/VGA, or SSH, with optional special utilities available for further customization. It provides security on par with stock Debian/Ubuntu systems and can be hardened with the configuration utility for various industrial or home applications, with regular updates and user support. The Armbian team also leverages their deep expertise in Linux and ARM development boards. It ensures optimal performance across over 30 different ARM and ARM64 Linux kernels.

Armbian has an easy-to-use configuration utility that lets the user generate images that are fine-tuned to their needs. The configuration utility is divided into four main sections:

System - system and security settings

Network - wired, wireless, Bluetooth, access point

Personal - timezone, language, hostname

Software - system and 3rd party software

There are two different interfaces for the build utility. Those are CLI based and GUI based.

There are a few different levels of support a board can receive:

Community support - the board doesn't have an assigned dedicated maintainer

Work in Progress - the board has an assigned maintainer, but the configuration isn't complete

Supported - this board has an assigned maintainer, the configuration works and is actively maintained by a dedicated maintainer

Master branch (master): Main development will happen on the master branch. This is the latest and greatest branch but is always "stable" and "deployable." All tests always pass on this branch.

Maintenance branch (support): This is the long-term maintenance branch per release.

Bleeding edge branch (edge): This branch is created for lengthy and involved feature development that could destabilize the master.

GUI: This version containes one of the following: XFCE, Gnome, Cinnamon, and i3, while others exist as a build target

CLI: This version is based on the command line

"'Armbian'" operates on a "train" based release system with predictable quarterly release cycles at the end of February, May, August, and November. Each release cycle lasts three months, starting with a planning meeting and ending with a two-week feature freeze period. During this freeze, new feature integration is halted, and the focus shifts to bug fixes and releases candidate testing, ensuring a stable and well-tested release. Developers are encouraged to commit code frequently and use their preferred development methods. The release candidate process involves testing on real hardware and iterating through bug-fix cycles until a formal release is ready, typically taking 2-3 bikes and 1-3 weeks. The feature freeze plays a crucial role in maintaining the reliability and quality of the final release.

• Raspberry Pi OS