docs: improve README and add Armbian Imager promotion

- Restructure README for better scannability and information hierarchy
- Add prominent Armbian Imager recommendation at the top
- Improve Build Host Requirements organization (Hardware/OS/Software)
- Simplify and clarify language throughout
- Better resource link descriptions
- Remove redundant "Download Prebuilt Images" section

The README now better guides users to Armbian Imager while still
providing clear information for those building from source.
This commit is contained in:
Igor Pecovnik 2025-12-25 10:39:14 +01:00 committed by Igor
parent 4d60ce08f2
commit abd6f2d35f

View File

@ -1,25 +1,19 @@
<h2 align="center"> <h3 align="center">
<a href=#><img src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/armbian/.github/master/profile/logosmall.png" alt="Armbian logo"></a> <a href=#><img src="https://raw.githubusercontent.com/armbian/.github/master/profile/logosmall.png" alt="Armbian logo"></a>
<br><br> <br><br>
</h2> </h3>
### Purpose of This Repository ## Purpose of This Repository
The **Armbian Linux Build Framework** creates minimal, efficient, and fully [customizable operating system images](https://docs.armbian.com/#key-features) based on **Debian** or **Ubuntu**. It is designed specifically for **low-resource single board computers (SBCs)** and other embedded devices. The **Armbian Linux Build Framework** creates customizable OS images based on **Debian** or **Ubuntu** for **single-board computers (SBCs)** and embedded devices.
This toolchain compiles a custom **Linux kernel**, **bootloader**, and **root filesystem**, providing fine-grained control over: It builds a complete Linux system including kernel, bootloader, and root filesystem, giving you control over versions, configuration, firmware, device trees, and system optimizations.
- Kernel versions and configuration The framework supports **native**, **cross**, and **containerized** builds for multiple architectures (`x86_64`, `aarch64`, `armhf`, `riscv64`) and is suitable for development, testing, production, or automation.
- Bootloader selection and customization
- Filesystem layout and compression
- Additional firmware, overlays, and device trees
- System optimizations for performance and size
The framework supports **native**, **cross**, and **containerized** builds for multiple architectures (`x86_64`, `aarch64`, `armhf`, `riscv64`), and is suitable for development, testing, production deployment, or automation pipelines. > **Looking for prebuilt images?** Use [Armbian Imager](https://github.com/armbian/imager/releases) — the easiest way to download and flash Armbian to your SD card or USB drive. Available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
It ensures **consistency across devices** while remaining modular and extensible through a variety of configuration files, templates, and user patches. ## Quick Start
### Quick Start
```bash ```bash
git clone https://github.com/armbian/build git clone https://github.com/armbian/build
@ -27,59 +21,57 @@ cd build
./compile.sh ./compile.sh
``` ```
### Resources <a href="#how-to-build-an-image-or-a-kernel"><img src=".github/README.gif" alt="Build demonstration" width="100%"></a>
[Documentation](https://docs.armbian.com/Developer-Guide_Overview/) • [Website](https://www.armbian.com) • [Blog](https://blog.armbian.com) • [Community Forums](https://forum.armbian.com) ## Build Host Requirements
### Hardware
- **RAM:** ≥8GB (less with `KERNEL_BTF=no`)
- **Disk:** ~50GB free space
- **Architecture:** x86_64, aarch64, or riscv64
### Operating System
- **Native builds:** Armbian or Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble)
- **Containerized:** Any Docker-capable Linux
- **Windows:** WSL2 with Armbian/Ubuntu 24.04
<a href="#how-to-build-an-image-or-a-kernel"><img src=".github/README.gif" alt="Armbian logo" width="100%"></a> ### Software
- Superuser privileges (`sudo` or root)
- Up-to-date system (outdated Docker or other tools can cause failures)
### Build Host Requirements ## Resources
- **Supported Architectures:** `x86_64`, `aarch64`, `riscv64` - **[Documentation](https://docs.armbian.com/Developer-Guide_Overview/)** — Comprehensive guides for building, configuring, and customizing
- **System:** VM, container, or bare-metal with: - **[Website](https://www.armbian.com)** — News, features, and board information
- **≥ 8GB RAM** (less with `KERNEL_BTF=no`) - **[Blog](https://blog.armbian.com)** — Development updates and technical articles
- **~50GB disk space** - **[Forums](https://forum.armbian.com)** — Community support and discussions
- **Operating System:**
- Armbian / Ubuntu 24.04 (Noble) for native builds
- Any Docker-capable Linux for containerized setup
- **Windows:** Windows 10/11 with WSL2 running Armbian / Ubuntu 24.04
- **Access:** Superuser rights (`sudo` or `root`)
- **Important:** Keep your system up-to-date — outdated tools (e.g., Docker) can cause issues.
### Download ## Contributing
Prebuilt Armbian OS Images: <https://www.armbian.com/download> We welcome contributions! See [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) for guidelines on reporting issues, submitting changes, and contributing code.
### Contribute ## Support
Learn how to report issues, suggest improvements, or submit code: [CONTRIBUTING.md](CONTRIBUTING.md) ### Community Forums
Get help from users and contributors on troubleshooting, configuration, and development.
👉 [forum.armbian.com](https://forum.armbian.com)
### Support ### Real-time Chat
Join discussions with developers and community members on Discord, IRC, or Matrix.
👉 [Community Chat](https://docs.armbian.com/Community_IRC/)
Armbian offers multiple support channels, depending on your needs: ### Paid Consultation
For commercial projects, guaranteed response times, or advanced needs, paid support is available from Armbian maintainers.
👉 [Contact us](https://www.armbian.com/contact)
- **Community Forums** ## Contributors
Get help from fellow users and contributors on a wide range of topics — from troubleshooting to development.
👉 [forum.armbian.com](https://forum.armbian.com)
- **Discord / IRC/ Matrix Chat** Thank you to everyone who has contributed to Armbian!
Join real-time discussions with developers and community members for faster feedback and collaboration.
👉 [Community Chat](https://docs.armbian.com/Community_IRC/)
- **Paid Consultation**
For advanced needs, commercial projects, or guaranteed response times, paid support is available directly from Armbian maintainers.
👉 [Contact us](https://www.armbian.com/contact) to discuss consulting options.
### Contributors
Thank you to all the people who already contributed to Armbian!
<a href="https://github.com/armbian/build/graphs/contributors"> <a href="https://github.com/armbian/build/graphs/contributors">
<img src="https://contrib.rocks/image?repo=armbian/build" /> <img alt="Contributors" src="https://contrib.rocks/image?repo=armbian/build" />
</a> </a>
## Armbian Partners ## Armbian Partners
Armbian's [partnership program](https://forum.armbian.com/subscriptions) helps to support Armbian and the Armbian community! Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with [our Partners](https://armbian.com/partners). Our [partnership program](https://forum.armbian.com/subscriptions) supports Armbian's development and community. Learn more about [our Partners](https://armbian.com/partners).