NVIDIA Jetson Orin - JetPack 5.0.2 - Compiling Code
Learning to compile the BSP and OS components is an essential skill for developers who need to adapt Jetson Linux to the requirements of their projects.
The Compiling Code section provides an overview of the steps required to rebuild the Linux for Tegra (L4T) software stack on NVIDIA Jetson Orin devices when using JetPack 5.0.2. Although JetPack provides a complete system image by default, many development workflows require rebuilding parts of the BSP. Common examples include rebuilding the Linux kernel, generating updated device tree blobs (DTBs), or reinstalling kernel modules. By mastering the compilation process, developers ensure their Jetson platforms remain flexible and reproducible across different use cases.
The workflow starts with Obtaining Sources. This step is critical because only the correct set of sources guarantees compatibility with the JetPack release installed on the target device. Developers may use NVIDIA’s source_sync.sh tool to clone repositories directly from the official nv-tegra servers, or they can extract kernel and driver code from the public archives provided by NVIDIA. Selecting the appropriate method depends on whether the developer requires full git history for advanced patching or prefers a simpler tarball-based workflow. Regardless of the method, this step yields the kernel sources, NVIDIA driver modules, and platform-specific device trees required to continue.
The second step is Building the Kernel, Modules and DTBs. In this stage, developers configure the kernel using NVIDIA’s default tegra_defconfig and then compile the kernel, the in-tree modules, and the device tree blobs (DTBs). These build outputs form the core elements of the Board Support Package (BSP): the kernel image provides the operating system base, the modules extend driver functionality, and the DTBs describe the hardware layout of the Jetson platform. Rebuilding these components as provided by NVIDIA ensures a consistent and reproducible workflow that matches the JetPack 5.0.2 release. By following the standard compilation process, developers can generate the necessary artifacts to deploy or update a Jetson system without modifying configuration or source code.
It is important to note that not all BSP components are provided in source form. Boot firmware and cboot remain proprietary binaries, so they cannot be recompiled. For that reason, the focus here is on kernel, modules, and DTBs; the layers that developers most often rebuild and maintain.
By following these subsections in order, this section establishes a reliable workflow for acquiring sources, compiling them, and preparing outputs for deployment. Whether the goal is to update a kernel, regenerate modules, or rebuild DTBs, the Compiling Code section offers a clear foundation for development on Jetson Orin with JetPack 5.0.2.