The TMPDIR podcast

TMPDIR is a podcast about embedded Linux, Yocto/OpenEmbedded, Zephyr, and IoT product engineering. Cliff Brake and Khem Raj dig into BSPs, OTA updates, Linux kernel and device tree work, firmware and RTOS development, build systems (BitBake, Kas), and the editor/CLI tools embedded engineers actually use day to day.

Refactoring English: Writing and Self-Publishing with Michael Lynch

Duration: 1:03:29 Episode 53 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

Technical writing for developers with Michael Lynch, author of Refactoring English. We cover structuring a book for reader ROI, cutting aggressively, using AI as a teacher instead of a ghostwriter, and a self-publishing toolchain built on Asciidoctor, Nix, and Hugo.

Space Grade Linux, Yocto, and Embedded Linux in Orbit with Tim Bird

Duration: 1:08:14 Episode 52 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

Tim Bird of Sony joins us on Space Grade Linux (SGL) — the ELISA-incubated project bringing embedded Linux to spacecraft. We cover the meta-sgl Yocto layer, fault-tolerant file systems, QEMU radiation simulation, fleet OTA updates, and how Linux already dominates on-orbit compute via Starlink.

2025 Review

Duration: 48:05 Episode 51 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

We reflect on 2025, what is new, trends, tools, etc.

Clang/LLVM in Yocto

Duration: 31:07 Episode 48 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

Learn about Clang, its history in Yocto, and what is new.

Simplicity

Duration: 22:49 Episode 42 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

What is simplicity, why does it matter, and how do we get there?

Product vs. Technology

Duration: 8:52 Episode 41 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode, we discuss why and how to differentiate product and technology.

Matthew Rassi - an overview of Lean

Duration: 51:54 Episode 35 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode, we go back to the origins of lean in the manufacturing space and learn how it can apply to development.

Living on Main

Duration: 27:35 Episode 24 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

The philosophy of using the latest software releases.

Why Arch Linux?

Duration: 31:47 Episode 22 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode we discuss how Arch Linux can help you as a developer.

Build Acceleration

Duration: 53:45 Episode 18 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode, we discuss how to make your builds go faster.

Why 64-bit?

Duration: 28:07 Episode 16 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode, we discuss why you should consider 64-bit for Embedded Linux project.

Databases

Duration: 1:03:28 Episode 15 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode we databases, various types, how they work, etc.

Do you own your platform?

Duration: 32:36 Episode 14 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode we describe what a platform is and the importance of owning it.

Discussion with Andrew Wafaa

Duration: 53:15 Episode 11 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode we discuss many aspects of Open Source and learn from Andrew's experience.

Documentation

Duration: 40:15 Episode 10 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode we discuss several aspects of documentation.

Tips for Yocto BSPs

Duration: 45:05 Episode 9 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode we discuss what makes a good Yocto BSP.

The Yoe Updater

Duration: 46:18 Episode 7 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

In this episode, we discuss the Yoe updater and why it exists.

Interview with Thomas Petazzoni

Duration: 1:00:15 Episode 4 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

Learn how Thomas Petazzoni got into Embedded Linux and his thoughts on Buildroot, Open Source, running a small company, etc.

More about the Yoe Distribution

Duration: 50:00 Episode 3 by Cliff Brake, Khem Raj

Join Khem and Cliff to learn more about Yoe and how it can help you develop Embedded Linux systems easier and faster.