Small file system for embedded linux

[zahalul]

I want to use a very small file system for a target running embedded linux.
Where can I get the minimum set of files needed for linux to boot with no problems ?

For example, I don't need busybox. Just few utilities (e.g ls)

Thanks,
Zvika Vered

[valan]

Busybox is nice because you can specify which utilities you need and only build those, then they are all built into one executable which is used through symlinks to it. This way busybox can be as small as you need it. Often though, these utilities can be done with a few lines of shell scripting, so a small shell could potentially be all you need. There exists a set of small utilities in assembly which are quite small called asmutils. Some googling should be able to find other small utilities. Also, some commands (like ls) might be builtin to the shell, saving you from needing the binary.