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Application Runtime

Running applications on your devices is central to building IoT products with Particle. Whether you’re customizing behavior for product, operational, or commercial needs, Particle provides a consistent application runtime experience across both microcontroller-based devices and supported Linux systems.

⚠️ Note on MCU Runtime: This section focuses on application development on Linux-based devices. For details about our microcontroller (MCU) runtime, visit this section. Over time, we’re working to bring these environments even closer together.

✅ Note on Linux Devices: If you’re working with a Linux-capable product like Tachyon, you’re in the right place. This section covers application development using Device OS for Linux, a tailored distribution of Linux that brings Particle’s application model, connectivity, and management features to edge-class hardware.

A Unified Foundation​

No matter which kind of hardware you’re using, all Particle applications run on a common foundation: Device OS. This system manages secure connectivity, OTA updates, access to services, and integration with Particle’s cloud platform — so your application can focus on what makes your product unique.

  • On microcontrollers, Device OS is lightweight and deeply integrated with the firmware.
  • On Linux, Device OS for Linux brings this same model to more powerful devices, using containers and modern Linux tooling.

Application Goals​

Particle’s application runtime is designed to:

  1. Support portable edge development
    Build apps that are reusable across hardware and scalable in production.

  2. Enable flexible workflows
    Use local tools like VS Code and Particle Workbench, or work directly on the device.

  3. Simplify OTA updates and fleet operations
    Deploy code to one device or thousands, with observability, safety, and control.

  4. Connect with the Particle Cloud
    Monitor, manage, and operate all your apps — across MCUs and Linux — from one place.

Working with Linux Devices​

When building on Linux-based hardware:

  • Device OS for Linux runs on supported edge-class hardware like Tachyon, providing a consistent runtime and container-based execution model.
  • Applications are packaged into containers and run under supervision.
  • Particle provides:
    • A container repository and versioning system.
    • Support for managing volumes, interfaces, networking, and logs.
    • Built-in access to Particle’s services and APIs.
    • Integration with models and external libraries.

🧠 Tip: You can use the same cloud tools and dashboard to manage all of your applications — whether they’re on microcontrollers or Linux devices.

Getting Started and Going Further​

📘 Blueprints: Want examples? blueprints.particle.io contains real-world example apps, templates, and integrations that show how to build with Particle across MCU and Linux — from AI and industrial protocols to cloud automation.

This section is actively growing, and your input is key! Let us know if there’s something missing or unclear — we're building this together.