Download

Access ProteanOS development tools, SDK components, and documentation archives.

ProteanOS SDK download and setup process

What's Available

The ProteanOS project distributes several categories of downloadable content to support embedded systems development. These include development tools, SDK components, and documentation resources.

Development Kit (ProKit)

The ProteanOS Development Kit provides the core build tools, packaging utilities, and scripts needed to work with ProteanOS packages. ProKit includes cross-compilation support for various target architectures.

See the ProKit documentation for detailed information on components and usage.

SDK Components

Software Development Kit components include header files, libraries, and build configuration for developing applications that run on ProteanOS. These components are organized by target platform.

Platform-specific SDK packages are documented in the installation guide.

Documentation Archives

Downloadable documentation packages allow offline access to guides, specifications, and reference materials. These archives are updated periodically to reflect current documentation.

Browse the specifications section for technical documentation.

Safe Download Practices

When downloading software, especially for embedded systems that may be deployed in critical applications, verification is essential. Follow these practices to ensure the integrity of downloaded files:

Checksum Verification

All official releases include cryptographic checksums (SHA-256) that allow you to verify that downloaded files match the original distribution. After downloading, compute the checksum of your local file and compare it against the published value.

Verifying a download (Linux/macOS)
sha256sum downloaded-file.tar.gz
# Compare output with the published checksum

Mirror Sources

If the primary download source is unavailable or slow, mirror sites may provide alternative access. When using mirrors, always verify checksums to confirm file integrity, as mirror synchronization issues can occasionally cause problems.

Signature Verification

For critical deployments, GPG signatures provide an additional layer of verification, confirming that files were produced by authorized project members. Signature files (*.sig or *.asc) accompany releases.

Getting Started Checklist

After downloading the necessary components, follow these steps to begin working with ProteanOS:

  1. Verify downloads: Confirm checksums match published values before proceeding with installation.
  2. Review prerequisites: Check the installation guide for system requirements and dependencies.
  3. Set up the development environment: Extract the SDK and configure your build environment according to the platform-specific instructions.
  4. Test the installation: Build a simple example package to verify that the toolchain is working correctly.
  5. Explore documentation: Review the ProKit documentation and porting guides relevant to your target platform.

Toolchain Background

ProteanOS development relies on cross-compilation toolchains that generate code for target embedded platforms from a development host (typically a Linux workstation). The SDK includes pre-configured toolchain components based on the GNU toolchain, including GCC, binutils, and related utilities.

Understanding how cross-compilation works is helpful when troubleshooting build issues or when porting to platforms not directly supported by pre-built SDK packages. The GNU toolchain documentation provides background on compiler options, target specifications, and optimization settings.

Version Management

Multiple versions of the SDK may be available to support different project requirements. Consider the following when selecting versions:

  • Stability vs. features: Older releases may have more testing in production environments, while newer releases include recent improvements and bug fixes.
  • Target platform compatibility: Some SDK versions add or improve support for specific hardware platforms. Check release notes for platform-specific changes.
  • Long-term maintenance: For projects with extended support requirements, consider which SDK versions will continue to receive updates.

Download FAQ

What do I need to download to get started?

Start with ProKit (the development kit) and the SDK components for your target platform. The installation guide provides specific recommendations based on your development goals.

How do I verify that my download is complete and uncorrupted?

Compare the SHA-256 checksum of your downloaded file against the published checksum. If they match, your download is intact. Most systems include sha256sum or similar utilities.

Are there different downloads for different target architectures?

Yes, SDK components are organized by target platform. Select the packages that match your target hardware architecture (e.g., ARM Cortex-A, ARM Cortex-M, or others).

How often are downloads updated?

Releases follow a flexible schedule based on accumulated improvements and bug fixes. Check the changelog for release history and the mailing lists for announcements.

Can I download documentation for offline use?

Yes, documentation archives are available for offline access. These packages contain the same content as the online documentation in a portable format.

Where should I report download problems?

Report download issues or broken links through the contact page or the appropriate mailing list. Include details about what you tried to download and any error messages.

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