> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://qualcomm-3.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is Qualcomm Linux?

An overview of Qualcomm Linux (QLI) — a purpose-built embedded Linux platform optimized for Qualcomm hardware.\
\
Qualcomm Linux (QLI) is an embedded Linux distribution purpose-built and optimized for Qualcomm silicon. It provides a curated, validated software stack that spans from the bootloader through the kernel and into userspace, enabling developers to build production-grade embedded and edge AI applications on Qualcomm hardware.

<Note>
  For the official product page and latest release announcements, visit the [Qualcomm Linux product page](https://www.qualcomm.com/developer/software/qualcomm-linux).
</Note>

## What Does Qualcomm Linux Include?

Qualcomm Linux is not just a kernel — it is a complete, vertically integrated software platform:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Bootloader & UEFI" icon="microchip" href="/System/Kernel/boot-flow-and-architecture-overview">
    A validated boot chain including ROM, UEFI firmware, and device tree configurations tuned for Qualcomm SoCs.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Linux Kernel" icon="microchip" href="/System/Kernel">
    A Qualcomm-maintained kernel with upstream contributions, hardware enablement patches, and driver support for Qualcomm peripherals.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Yocto-Based Userspace" icon="layer-group" href="/Key-Documents/Yocto-Guide">
    A Yocto Project / OpenEmbedded-based build system with Qualcomm-specific layers, recipes, and machine configurations.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hardware Acceleration" icon="bolt-lightning" href="">
    Pre-integrated support for Qualcomm AI Engine, GPU, DSP, and multimedia hardware acceleration frameworks.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## **Key Characteristics**

* **Validated end-to-end** — Every component is tested together on Qualcomm reference hardware (EVKs), reducing integration risk.
* **Yocto-based** — Built on the industry-standard Yocto Project, giving developers access to thousands of open-source recipes and a familiar build system.
* **Production-oriented** — Designed with a path from prototype to production, including support for custom BSPs and OEM layers.
* **Qualcomm hardware-aware** — Includes drivers, firmware, and configuration for Qualcomm-specific IP blocks that are not available in generic distributions.

## Get Started with your device

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="IQ-9075 EVK" icon="microchip" href="Linux/devices/iq9075-evk/device-overview">
    Start here for IQ-9075 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="IQ-8275 EVK" icon="microchip" href="Linux/devices/iq8275-evk/device-overview">
    Start here for IQ-8275 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="RB3 Gen 2 Dev Kit" icon="microchip" href="https://docs.qualcomm.com/nav/home?product=1601111740013077">
    Start here for RB3 Gen 2 Dev Kit hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="RB3 Gen 2 Lite Dev Kit" icon="microchip" href="https://docs.qualcomm.com/nav/home?product=1601111740013077">
    Start here for RB3 Gen 2 Lite Dev Kit hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="IQ-615 EVK" icon="microchip" href="https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80022-293/topic/iq615-qsg-landing-page.html">
    Start here for IQ-615 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="IQ-X7181 EVK" icon="microchip" href="https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80023-261/topic/iqx-ug-landing-page.html">
    Start here for IQ-X7181 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>

  <Card title="IQ-X5121 EVK" icon="microchip" href="https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-80022-297/80-80022-297_REV_AD_Qualcomm_IQ-X5xxx_Series_Evaluation_Kit_-_Linux.pdf">
    Start here for IQ-X5121 EVK hardware, setup, software updates, peripherals, AI workflows, and tools.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Check>
  Ready to get started? Head to the [**Quick Start with Prebuilt Images**](/Key-Documents/Flash-Guide/obtain-prebuilts) section to flash your first image in minutes.
</Check>