Koan Software has enhanced its real-time Linux distribution for industrial applications with support for wxWidgets (formerly wxWindows), a mature C++ GUI framework for cross-platform development. wxWidgets provides an API that enables console and graphical applications to be compiled on various target platforms with a native look and feel on each.

K-Linux is based on RTAI (real-time application interface), a free real-time Linux operating system. K-Linux uses a Linux 2.4.26 kernel, and runs on x86 and ARM (including XScale), with other architectures available on request, according to Koan. In addition to wxWidgets, K-Linux supports graphics frameworks include Qt, wxWindows GTK, and X11 FLTK.

Koan says it has used K-Linux in hard real-time applications such as industrial automation, vision systems, and automotive engine diagnosis systems, and for remote connectivity. It distributes the operating system with a cross-compiling SDK (software development kit) based on GNU tools, and with extensive documentation developed in-house, it says.

wxWidgets is a mature, 11-year old project that provides an API for writing console and GUI applications that can then be compiled for Linux, Windows, or Mac OS, providing a native look and feel on each. An embedded version of wxWidgets, wxEmbedded, aims to support platforms including X11, GTK+, Microwindows/Nano-X, SciTech MGL, Windows CE, and host tools such as wxEmulator.

Koan says that K-Linux is GPL and royalty-free. The company sells documentation and support services centered around the real-time Linux OS, including custom board porting, training, and technical support.

 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.