Choose your workflow - Qualcomm Dragonwing Documentation

The Qualcomm^® Linux kernel supports two development workflows. Select the one that matches your use case before proceeding. Table: Workflow comparison

	Yocto-based build	Standalone build
Recommended for	Full BSP integration, production images, or when modifying kernel recipes and configuration fragments	Rapid kernel iteration: compile, test, and deploy kernel changes without building the full image
Tooling	kas / BitBake with the `meta-qcom` layer	Docker-based `kmake-image` with aarch64 cross-toolchain
Build scope	Kernel + root file system + all packages	Kernel and in-tree modules only; out-of-tree module builds require the Yocto sysroot
Kernel configuration	Yocto bbappend fragments and `defconfig` patches	Direct `menuconfig` or `.config` editing
Setup complexity	Higher: full Yocto workspace and layer checkout required	Lower: Docker image provides all required dependencies
Deploy method	Flash full image via fastboot	Update kernel UKI image on the ESP partition

Follow the links below for step-by-step instructions:

Yocto-based build: see Build the Kernel with Yocto
Standalone build: see Build the kernel without Yocto

When to modify the kernel

Not all Qualcomm Linux use cases require kernel modification. The following table helps you decide: Table: When to modify the kernel

Scenario	Action needed
Running existing applications on a supported SoC and board	No kernel changes required. Use the pre-built BSP image.
Enabling or disabling a kernel driver or subsystem	Modify the kernel configuration (`defconfig` or a config fragment). See Modify the kernel.
Adding support for a new peripheral or sensor	Add or modify a device tree node. Rebuild the DTB. See Build and deploy DTBs.
Implementing a new kernel driver or subsystem	Write and integrate a new driver. Build the kernel and test. See Modify the kernel.
Achieving deterministic real-time latency	Switch to the RT kernel build. See RT kernel fundamentals.
Porting the kernel to a new board or SoC variant	Add device tree support and any required driver changes.

​When to modify the kernel

When to modify the kernel