Device Tree Structure

A device tree is a tree-structured data format that represents information about the devices on a board.

Using device trees provides:

  • Fewer "machine code" and "board" files
  • A single unmodified kernel used for many platforms

For developing a product with the platform, the device tree data is automatically included in the flashed image.

The device tree data must be included in the flashed image when upgrading a product from an earlier release. Future kernel versions are expected to support device trees and to deprecate board files.