Definition (1)

• The usual development tools available on a GNU/Linux workstation is a native toolchain

• This toolchain runs on your workstation and generates code for your workstation, usually x86

• For embedded system development, it is usually impossible or not interesting to use a native toolchain

• • The target is too restricted in terms of storage and/or memory
  • The target is very slow compared to your workstation
  • You may not want to install all development tools on your target.

• Therefore, cross-compiling toolchains are generally used. They run on your workstation but generate code for your target.