Ubuntu Core documentation¶
Ubuntu Core is an immutable and transaction-based version of Ubuntu that’s engineered for cloud, embedded, and IoT systems.
It provides an image-based deployment infrastructure with automatic updates for sandboxed applications, enabling the creation of production-ready systems with minimal attack surface and automatic rollback capabilities.
Ubuntu Core reduces the time to production by eliminating manual provisioning, ensuring systems remain secure throughout their lifecycle, and enabling rapid updates across fleets of devices at scale.
It is designed for embedded Linux developers, IoT device manufacturers, cloud-based applications, and organizations deploying embedded systems in robotics, automotive, signage, industrial automation, and IoT applications - from single devices to thousands in the field.
In this documentation¶
Orientation¶
Start by exploring Ubuntu Core with pre-built images and learning the fundamentals. These resources introduce the system, basic concepts, and common operations you’ll use every day.
Image installation: Try pre-built images
Learn the basics: Using Ubuntu Core
Build and deploy custom images¶
Create tailored Ubuntu Core images for your specific hardware and requirements, then deploy them to your target devices.
Getting started: Build your first Ubuntu Core image • Image creation guides
Customization: Add custom snaps • Build a gadget snap • Build a kernel snap • Add console conf • Optimise boot speed
Deploy to hardware: Install on AMD Kria • Install on MediaTek Genio • Install on Renesas RZ/G2L
Snap stores: Store overview • Brand accounts • Store scoping
Device management¶
Manage your running Ubuntu Core systems throughout their lifecycle. Keep systems updated, recover from issues, extend with containers, and optimize performance.
System administration: Add a system user • Set system options • Connect with SSH
Recovery and updates: Recovery modes • Update control • Remodeling • Upgrade Ubuntu Core
Container deployment: Container deployment
Performance: Preseed performance
System architecture¶
Understand the core concepts, design decisions, and technical internals of Ubuntu Core. Learn how the system maintains security, reliability, and enables rapid updates.
Core elements: Inside Ubuntu Core • Storage layout • Snaps in Ubuntu Core • System snaps
Deployment internals: How installation works • System requirements
Security: Full disk encryption • Sandboxing • CVE remediation
How this documentation is organised¶
This documentation uses the Diátaxis documentation structure.
Tutorials take you step-by-step through building and deploying your first Ubuntu Core image.
How-to guides provide instructions for specific tasks like customizing snaps, deploying to platforms, and managing devices.
Reference provides technical specifications, formats, and details you need while working.
Explanation provides conceptual context about architecture, security, storage, and update mechanisms.
Project and community¶
Ubuntu Core is a member of the Ubuntu family. It’s an open source project that welcomes community contributions, suggestions, fixes and constructive feedback.
Thinking about using Ubuntu Core for your next project? Get in touch.
