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diff --git a/docs/qmk_overview.md b/docs/qmk_overview.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000000..6fdb68c49f --- /dev/null +++ b/docs/qmk_overview.md @@ -0,0 +1,75 @@ +# QMK Overview + +This page attempts to explain the basic information you need to know to work with the QMK project. It assumes that you are familiar with navigating a UNIX shell, but does not assume you are familiar with C or with compiling using make. + +# Basic QMK structure + +QMK is a fork of @tmk's [tmk_keyboard](https://github.com/tmk/tmk_keyboard) project. The original TMK code, with modifications, can be found in the `tmk` folder. The QMK additions to the project may be found in the `quantum` folder. Keyboard projects may be found in the `handwired` and `keyboard` folders. + +## Keyboard project structure + +Within the `handwired` and `keyboard` folders is a directory for each keyboard project, for example `qmk_firmware/keyboards/clueboard`. Within you'll find the following structure: + +* `keymaps/`: Different keymaps that can be built +* `rules.mk`: The file that sets the default "make" options. Do not edit this file directly, instead use a keymap specific `Makefile`. +* `config.h`: The file that sets the default compile time options. Do not edit this file directly, instead use a keymap specific `config.h`. + +### Keymap structure + +In every keymap folder, the following files may be found. Only `keymap.c` is required, if the rest of the files are not found the default options will be chosen. + +* `config.h`: the options to configure your keymap +* `keymap.c`: all of your keymap code, required +* `Makefile`: the features of QMK that are enabled, required to run `make` in your keymap folder +* `readme.md`: a description of your keymap, how others might use it, and explanations of features +* Other files: Some people choose to include an image depicting the layout, and other files that help people to use or understand a particular keymap. + +# The `make` command + +The `make` command is how you compile the firmware into a .hex file, which can be loaded by a dfu programmer (like dfu-progammer via `make dfu`) or the [Teensy loader](https://www.pjrc.com/teensy/loader.html) (only used with Teensys). It it recommended that you always run make from within the `root` folder. + +**NOTE:** To abort a make command press `Ctrl-c` + +For more details on the QMK build process see [Make Instructions](make_instructions.md). + +### Simple instructions for building and uploading a keyboard + +**Most keyboards have more specific instructions in the keyboard specific readme.md file, so please check that first** + +1. Enter the `root` folder +2. Run `make <keyboard>-<subproject>-<keymap>-<programmer>` + +In the above commands, replace: + +* `<keyboard>` with the name of your keyboard +* `<keymap>` with the name of your keymap +* `<subproject>` with the name of the subproject (revision or sub-model of your keyboard). For example, for Ergodox it can be `ez` or `infinity`, and for Planck `rev3` or `rev4`. + * If the keyboard doesn't have a subproject, or if you are happy with the default (defined in `rules.mk` file of the `keyboard` folder), you can leave it out. But remember to also remove the dash (`-`) from the command. +* `<programmer>` The programmer to use. Most keyboards use `dfu`, but some use `teensy`. Infinity keyboards use `dfu-util`. Check the readme file in the keyboard folder to find out which programmer to use. + * If you don't add `-<programmer` to the command line, the firmware will be still be compiled into a hex file, but the upload will be skipped. + +**NOTE:** Some operating systems will refuse to program unless you run the make command as root for example `sudo make clueboard-default-dfu` + +## Make Examples + +* Build all Clueboard keymaps: `make clueboard` +* Build the default Planck keymap: `make planck-rev4-default` +* Build and flash your ergodox-ez: `make ergodox-ez-default-teensy` + +# The `config.h` file + +There are 2 `config.h` locations: + +* keyboard (`/keyboards/<keyboard>/`) +* keymap (`/keyboards/<keyboard>/keymaps/<keymap>/`) + +The keyboard `config.h` is included only if the keymap one doesn't exist. The format to use for your custom one [is here](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/blob/master/doc/keymap_config_h_example.h). If you want to override a setting from the parent `config.h` file, you need to do this: + +```c +#undef MY_SETTING +#define MY_SETTING 4 +``` + +For a value of `4` for this imaginary setting. So we `undef` it first, then `define` it. + +You can then override any settings, rather than having to copy and paste the whole thing.
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