Question 1

How to update Nerves firmware over the air?

Accepted Answer

Nerves supports OTA updates via SSH subsystems like ssh_subsystem_fwup, which allows secure firmware pushes. Configure NervesSSH and use tools like fwup to manage remote updates, as referenced in the networking and SSH sections of the README.

Question 2

Can Nerves run on Arduino or ESP32 boards?

Accepted Answer

No, Nerves is designed for microprocessor-based systems running Linux, such as Raspberry Pi or BeagleBone, not for microcontrollers like Arduino or ESP32 which typically use bare-metal or RTOS. It requires a Linux kernel and sufficient RAM for the Erlang VM.

Question 3

What's the minimum hardware needed for a Nerves project?

Accepted Answer

Nerves requires devices with enough RAM for Erlang VM and Linux, typically 16MB or more, and supports ARM, x86, MIPS, and RISC-V architectures via its toolchains. Check official system configurations for specific board requirements.

Question 4

Nerves vs PlatformIO for embedded development?

Accepted Answer

Nerves is optimized for Elixir and the Erlang VM, focusing on reliability and concurrency with Linux-based systems, while PlatformIO supports multiple languages like C/C++ and Python for microcontrollers and RTOS. Choose Nerves for Elixir ecosystems and fault tolerance, PlatformIO for broader language support and lower-level hardware.

Question 5

How to add custom C libraries to a Nerves project?

Accepted Answer

Include them in the Buildroot configuration by customizing systems, and use Nerves toolchains for cross-compilation, as documented in the 'Compiling non-BEAM code' section. This involves editing system files to integrate external dependencies.

Question 6

Does Nerves support real-time applications?

Accepted Answer

Nerves uses standard Linux, which isn't hard real-time; for deterministic timing, you may need PREEMPT_RT patches or external real-time co-processors. It's better suited for soft real-time where Erlang's concurrency and fault tolerance are priorities.

Question 7

How to debug Nerves applications remotely?

Accepted Answer

Use NervesSSH for shell access, RingLogger for buffered log viewing, and Toolshed for IEx helpers to inspect and control the system over network. This enables interactive debugging similar to server-side Elixir development.

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