(sysbuild)=
# Sysbuild (System build)

Sysbuild is a higher-level build system that can be used to combine multiple other build systems together. For more details please follow the [Zephyr Sysbuild (System build)](https://docs.zephyrproject.org/latest/build/sysbuild/index.html) documentation.

>**Note:** Sysbuild is a notion that originates from Zephyr. However, it is currently also used by the west-based MCUXpresso SDK (SDK version 24.12 or newer), which relies on the same west/CMake build infrastructure. As a result, the Sysbuild enablement and behavior described here apply both to Zephyr projects and to west-based MCUXpresso SDK projects.

## Enable or disable Sysbuild

To enable or disable Sysbuild, go to the context menu of the project, select "Set Sysbuild" under the "Configure" group and select the desired option.

![Set Sysbuild command](./pictures/nxp-zephyr-set-sysbuild.png)

![Set Sysbuild options](./pictures/nxp-zephyr-set-sysbuild-options.png)

## Controlling Sysbuild from the Tasks Automation Framework

Sysbuild enablement can also be controlled programmatically through the {doc}`Tasks Automation Framework <Tasks-Definition>`. The `"buildProject"`, `"cleanProject"`, and `"rebuildProject"` task commands each expose an optional `sysbuild` boolean property inside their `commandOptions`.

When the `sysbuild` property is set, it overrides the enablement state for that task execution. By default, the enablement state is the one specified in the example/project definition at import/creation time.

For example, to disable Sysbuild when building a project:

```json
{
    "type": "MCUXpresso",
    "version": "1.0.0",
    "label": "Build without Sysbuild",
    "commandOptions": {
        "command": "buildProject",
        "projectName": "my_project",
        "buildConfigName": "debug",
        "sysbuild": false
    }
}
```

The same `sysbuild` property is available for the `"cleanProject"` and `"rebuildProject"` commands. Refer to the {doc}`Tasks Definition <Tasks-Definition>` documentation for the full list of properties supported by each command.

## Known issues and workarounds

- For some boards (e.g. EVK-MIMXRT595 and MIMXRT700-EVK), certain example projects (such as the DSP and eIQ examples) can only be built when the Xtensa development toolchain is available. As a result, these projects cannot be built with Sysbuild enabled in environments that provide only the Arm toolchain.

  *Workaround:* Disable Sysbuild for the affected project before building, either from the UI ("Set Sysbuild" under the "Configure" contextual menu) or by setting the `sysbuild` property to `false` in the `"buildProject"`, `"cleanProject"`, or `"rebuildProject"` task definition.