Setting up a target
In AEL, the Agent Engineering Language, a target is what a build runs on: an operating system and processor, or a microcontroller board. ael target install installs what the AEL toolchain needs to build for one target.
Usage
ael target install <target>
ael target install <target> --json
| Argument or option | Meaning |
|---|---|
<target> | The target to set up, by its target name. |
--json | A machine-readable report of what was installed. |
Supported targets lists the targets and their names.
What it installs
It installs what the toolchain needs to build for that target, and nothing else: no compiler of another language, and no change to the tools your system already has for other purposes.
- Pinned. Each target is installed at an exact version that the toolchain records, so a project can build again with the same target.
- Verified. Every file is checked against its published fingerprint before it is used, and the installation is recorded with where it came from.
- Recoverable. A new target, or a new version of one, is prepared completely before it replaces anything. If installing is interrupted, or the target does not match your machine, the targets you had before stay usable.
Boards
For a microcontroller board, ael target install sets up what AEL needs to build firmware for it. Writing that firmware to a board uses the board maker's standard flashing tools, which you install yourself. ael doctor tells you when they are missing.
Desktop and server programs written in AEL alone need nothing else installed.
After installing
ael target install <target>
ael check --target <target>
ael build --target <target> -o build/support
Not every target offers every feature. A feature a target cannot offer fails when you check or build, not on the device.
Related
- Checking the toolchain: what is installed and what is missing.
- Building a program: building for a target.
- Flashing a board: writing firmware to a device.