Devicetreelike

Devicetreelike is a term used to describe data models that represent hardware configurations in a hierarchical, tree-like structure. In such models, hardware components are modeled as nodes connected in a parent-child manner, with a root node representing the system or platform. Each node carries properties that describe characteristics such as compatibility, resources, interrupts, clocks, and other device-specific data. The structure allows for clear portrayal of how devices relate to one another within the system.

Core concepts of a devicetreelike model include nodes, properties, and the hierarchical relationships between them. Nodes may have children, forming a tree that reflects subsystem boundaries and containment. Properties store typed values, and optional references between nodes enable cross-links without breaking the tree structure. Some implementations use handles or phandles to refer to other nodes, supporting indirection while preserving locality.

Formats and implementation approaches vary. Devicetreelike data can be expressed in JSON, YAML, XML, or in compact binary forms used by firmware and embedded systems. It is commonly employed in boot configurations, hardware abstraction layers, and device initialization workflows, where a structured description of available devices guides driver binding and resource allocation.

Applications of devicetreelike models include describing hardware to an operating system, enabling automatic driver provisioning, supporting hardware emulation, and facilitating platform portability. While not tied to a single standard, the concept underlies many device description schemes that imitate device-tree-like organization, emphasizing modularity, readability, and a uniform way to convey hardware topology to software components.

See also: device tree, hardware description, embedded systems.