# Tools
The tools for the boot process include QDTE and Fastboot. QDTE is a GUI
editor tool that can be accessed through the [Qualcomm Software
Center](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/#/) (QSC), whereas
Fastboot is a diagnostic tool that offers a Recovery mode known as the
Fastboot mode.
For more information on QSC, see [Qualcomm Software Center User
Guide](https://docs.qualcomm.com/bundle/publicresource/topics/80-72780-2/overview.html).
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> [QDTE](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-4/topic/tools.html#qdte-tools)
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> QDTE is a tool used to configure the DTB by editing the `xbl_config.elf` file.
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> [Fastboot](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-4/topic/tools.html#fastboot)
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> Fastboot allows you to flash software images such as the boot loader and helps in system recovery.
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> [Capsule generation in UEFI](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-4/topic/tools.html#capsule-generation-in-uefi)
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> Capsule generation tools are specialized utilities designed to create capsule files, which are essential for performing firmware updates on various devices.
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> These tools streamline the process of packaging firmware updates into a format that can be deployed and applied to the device hardware.
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> The tools can be run on both Linux and Windows environments, providing flexibility for different development setups.
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> By using OpenSSL for certificate generation and signing, the tools ensure that the firmware updates are secure and authenticated. To set up the capsule see the [Capsule generation in UEFI](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-4/topic/tools.html#capsule-generation-in-uefi).
## QDTE
QDTE is a tool used to configure the DTB by editing the `xbl_config.elf`
file.
You can download QDTE from
[QSC](https://softwarecenter.qualcomm.com/#/) and launch the UI using
the command `./qdte`.
QDTE offers the following features:
- Allows for experimentation with configuration settings in a test
environment.
- Opens/reads a DTB file directly or parses an `xbl_config.elf` file and
extracts the embedded DTB files. In the latter case, when the file is
saved, the `xbl_config.elf` file is regenerated with signing.
Do not use the QDTE tool to create the device tree source/device tree
source inclusion (DTS/DTSI) files that represent the input source.
Note
QDTE v1.3.0 is supported on:
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> - Ubuntu 22.04 Linux host machines
> - Windows 10 and 11 host machines
For more information on how to configure QDTE, see
[Configure](https://docs.qualcomm.com/doc/80-70017-4/topic/configure-qdte.html#configure-qdte).
## Fastboot
Fastboot allows you to flash software images such as the boot loader and
helps in system recovery.
Fastboot is supported on Linux and Windows host machines. To enter
Fastboot mode, you can use a hotkey for Fastboot.
### Fastboot using hotkey
After powering on the device, press **VOL-**.
The figure shows the Fastboot logs from the device entering the Fastboot
mode.

### Fastboot commands
When Fastboot mode is detected, you can run the corresponding Fastboot
commands.
Table : Fastboot commands
| Command | Usage | Example or use case |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `fastboot reboot` | Allows you to reboot the device. | A system reboot may be required after:
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Flashing the software images
Completing a software update
fastboot getvar partition-size:system
fastboot getvar partition-size:xbl_a
fastboot getvar kernel
fastboot getvar max-download-size
xbl_config_a indicates the partition label
xbl_config.elf is the software image that is flashed
OpenSSL: A toolkit for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols.
Python3: A programming language that is widely used for scripting and automation.
Git: Version control system.
OpenSSL: A toolkit for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocols.
Python3: A programming language that is widely used for scripting and automation.
Visual Studio with C++ Development Tool: An integrated development environment (IDE) from Microsoft, which includes tools for C++ development.
Git: Version control system.