Linux framebuffer

The Linux framebuffer (fbdev) is a graphic hardware-independent abstraction layer to show graphics on a console without relying on system-specific libraries such as svgalib or the heavy overhead of the X Window System.

It was originally implemented to allow the Linux kernel to emulate a text console on systems such as the Apple Macintosh that do not have a text-mode display, and was later expanded to Linux's originally-supported IBM PC compatible platform, where it became popular largely for the ability to show the Tux logo on boot up.

Nowadays several Linux programs such as MPlayer, and libraries such as SDL or GTK can use the framebuffer immediately, avoiding the overhead of the XFree86 server. This is particularly popular in embedded systems.

External Links

• Sourceforge Project Page
• linux-fbdev Homepage
• Framebuffer HOWTO
• http://www.xfree86.org/4.3.0/fbdev.4.html