> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://dragonwingdocs.qualcomm.com/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.

## **Supported Hardware**

Qualcomm Linux targets Qualcomm Intelligent Machines (QIM) platforms, including the IQ9 and IQ8 EVK (Evaluation Kit) families. These EVKs serve as the reference hardware for development and validation.

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