Transition Qt C++ Embedded Linux Development Environment to Cross-Compile from Windows & macOS
Budget: $750 – $1,500 USD
Project Background
-----------------------------------
We currently develop on a Linux VM on Parallels, running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with a 32-bit architecture. Our dev tools include Qt Creator v5.8.0, Qt Linguist v4.8.6, and our compiler is arm-linux-gnueabihf-acc with the target Linux embedded device being a TI ARM Cortex Sitara (32-bit) processor.
We would like to move from Parallels to a more native solution, both for Windows 10+ and macOS 11 ("Big Sur")+. We would like to stay away from paid licensed software like Parallels and ideally avoid VM-based solutions. While we will still consider VM-based solutions, non-VM solutions will be given preference unless it presents clear advantages over a native & cross-compiled solution (WSL solutions for Windows will also be preferable to a dedicated VM solution).
Primary Objectives
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- Install Qt, Qt Creator, and Qt Linguist onto a native Windows solution that can cross-compile to the target embedded Linux device.
- Install Qt, Qt Creator, and Qt Linguist onto a native macOS solution that can cross-compile to the target embedded Linux device.
Secondary Objectives
-----------------------------------
Upon the primary objective's completion, we may decide to investigate the secondary objective below:
- Investigate if the Qt software suite applications can be upgraded to their latest version without introducing breaking changes into the existing codebase.
Project Deliverables
-----------------------------------
1 document (.txt, .doc, or .docx format) with the following:
- Step by step instructions, from start to finish, on installing Qt, Qt Creator, Qt Linguist, and setting up the development environment to cross-compile to the target Linux device on Windows
- Step by step instructions, from start to finish, on installing Qt, Qt Creator, Qt Linguist, and setting up the development environment to cross-compile to the target Linux device on macOS
General Notes
-----------------------------------
- We currently use the free (unpaid/unlicensed version) of Qt. We do not wish to upgrade to any paid Qt license version.
- Aspects of the codebase are proprietary. This project will potentially involve the contractor to formulate solution steps and deliver them to us for testing purposes, and discussing results in a back-and-forth, iterative manner.
- The project is not an urgent priority, and may be completed at your own pace provided that you aim for completion within specified timeline.
Ideal Applicant Skills & Capabilities
-----------------------------------
- Fluent in English language
- Knowledge of setting up C/C++ development environments and C/C++ compilers/cross-compilers
- Knowledge or experience with programming embedded Linux devices & microprocessors
- Have a means to work with Windows and macOS in order to formulate solutions for both operating systems
- Clear and concise writing skills for drafting the final deliverable
- Strong technical communication skills and ability to communicate any missing pieces needed to accomplish the project objective
-----------------------------------
We currently develop on a Linux VM on Parallels, running Ubuntu 14.04 LTS with a 32-bit architecture. Our dev tools include Qt Creator v5.8.0, Qt Linguist v4.8.6, and our compiler is arm-linux-gnueabihf-acc with the target Linux embedded device being a TI ARM Cortex Sitara (32-bit) processor.
We would like to move from Parallels to a more native solution, both for Windows 10+ and macOS 11 ("Big Sur")+. We would like to stay away from paid licensed software like Parallels and ideally avoid VM-based solutions. While we will still consider VM-based solutions, non-VM solutions will be given preference unless it presents clear advantages over a native & cross-compiled solution (WSL solutions for Windows will also be preferable to a dedicated VM solution).
Primary Objectives
-----------------------------------
- Install Qt, Qt Creator, and Qt Linguist onto a native Windows solution that can cross-compile to the target embedded Linux device.
- Install Qt, Qt Creator, and Qt Linguist onto a native macOS solution that can cross-compile to the target embedded Linux device.
Secondary Objectives
-----------------------------------
Upon the primary objective's completion, we may decide to investigate the secondary objective below:
- Investigate if the Qt software suite applications can be upgraded to their latest version without introducing breaking changes into the existing codebase.
Project Deliverables
-----------------------------------
1 document (.txt, .doc, or .docx format) with the following:
- Step by step instructions, from start to finish, on installing Qt, Qt Creator, Qt Linguist, and setting up the development environment to cross-compile to the target Linux device on Windows
- Step by step instructions, from start to finish, on installing Qt, Qt Creator, Qt Linguist, and setting up the development environment to cross-compile to the target Linux device on macOS
General Notes
-----------------------------------
- We currently use the free (unpaid/unlicensed version) of Qt. We do not wish to upgrade to any paid Qt license version.
- Aspects of the codebase are proprietary. This project will potentially involve the contractor to formulate solution steps and deliver them to us for testing purposes, and discussing results in a back-and-forth, iterative manner.
- The project is not an urgent priority, and may be completed at your own pace provided that you aim for completion within specified timeline.
Ideal Applicant Skills & Capabilities
-----------------------------------
- Fluent in English language
- Knowledge of setting up C/C++ development environments and C/C++ compilers/cross-compilers
- Knowledge or experience with programming embedded Linux devices & microprocessors
- Have a means to work with Windows and macOS in order to formulate solutions for both operating systems
- Clear and concise writing skills for drafting the final deliverable
- Strong technical communication skills and ability to communicate any missing pieces needed to accomplish the project objective