In embedded development, many developers prefer to use Windows for code editing. However, most Baseboard Management Controller (BMC) chips do not yet support direct compilation on Windows (e.g., the Hi1711 series). For this reason, it is strongly recommended to use an Ubuntu-based build environment when compiling the source code.
The openUBMC project provides guidance for setting up the development environment in several ways. Choose the method that best fits your needs and workflow:
- If you intend to build the environment directly from the openUBMC source code, you can select either a native Ubuntu setup or a Windows setup using WSL.
- If you want to try openUBMC or get started quickly, Docker is the recommended approach — the community's primary supported setup path.
TIP
If you just want to try openUBMC or get started quickly, Docker is the recommended approach. This is the community's primary supported setup path — with only Docker runtime needed, you can have the full environment ready in just a few steps. The pre-built community image includes all necessary development tools.
| Setup | Description | Setup Time | Recommended Users |
|---|---|---|---|
| Docker (Recommended) | Develop inside a pre-built openUBMC community Docker image | ~5 min | Developers seeking rapid environment setup Cloud-based or containerized workflows Best choice for most developers |
| Ubuntu | Native development using Ubuntu Desktop or Ubuntu Server | ~20 min | Developers with limited resources Those who prefer a pure Linux workflow |
| Windows WSL | Run an Ubuntu environment inside Windows using WSL while keeping other tasks on Windows | ~30 min | Developers who need Ubuntu for building but rely on Windows for other tools/tasks |
openUBMC Studio
openUBMC Studio is the integrated development platform launched by the openUBMC community, purpose-built for BMC firmware development. It provides a one-stop development experience including code editing, project building, device emulation, and automated checks. Recommended for all developers.
For installation instructions, see the BMC Studio Installation Guide.
Additional Tools
ipmitool
ipmitool is a widely used open-source utility for managing and interacting with systems via the Intelligent Platform Management Interface (IPMI) protocol. It is commonly used to communicate with BMCs.
Source and installation details can be found on the ipmitool GitHub repository.
Postman
Postman is a free and feature-rich tool for developing, testing, and debugging REST APIs.
Download and further information are available on the official Postman website.