EFI Stub
EFI Stub is a feature in the Linux kernel that allows it to be directly booted as an EFI executable by UEFI firmware, without requiring a separate bootloader like GRUB. It embeds the kernel, initramfs, and boot parameters into a single EFI binary, simplifying the boot process on modern systems with UEFI. This enables direct kernel loading from the UEFI firmware, reducing dependencies and potential points of failure in the boot chain.
Developers should use EFI Stub when building or configuring Linux systems on UEFI-based hardware to streamline booting, especially in embedded, minimal, or secure environments where reducing boot complexity is critical. It is particularly useful for creating custom Linux distributions, IoT devices, or systems where a lightweight boot process is preferred, as it eliminates the need for traditional bootloaders and can enhance boot speed and reliability.