U-boot upgrading on Pine64 checked out from public tech library

[dkryder]

Your confusion maybe comes from the fact that APritzel U-Boot is now supporting SPI-NOR with FIT image, which allows to have Pine64 booting from external SPI Flash along with USB drive without any SDCard inserted.

My confusion is because back in the day, the term "firmware" meant on-board code.  I've lost track of the changing meaning over the years because I got out of the field about 15 years ago.

I certainly am fascinated with the SPI-NOR/FIT notion.  I'd like to learn enough about it to implement it.  I worked a an electronics technician, soldering and all, for plenty of years that I have no problem with putting the hardware together.  I have plenty of script coding experience as well, so I am up for all of it.  It is just the terminology being used for everything, trying to conceptualize it where all the software pieces reside, that slows me down.

it's not even relegated to a "back in the day" situation for some sbc [minnowboard max/turbot for example] still are updated via the flashrom utility which flashes updates to the "firmware" via onboard IC. so it's better noted as based on board design and that those ancient designs are still in use today depending on which board is in use. i realize the discussion here is based on pine64 i just wanted to toss out that those who long for "the day" can still find it if desired. i admit it's fun taking out the spi flashing board every once in a while.