Embedded Linux developers often face build stops when BitBake cannot download sources. One common issue is the glib-2.0-native-2.58.3-r0 do_fetch: failed to fetch url alternative error. This happens in the first paragraph of many build logs for Yocto Project users. It stops the do_fetch task for the native GLib package, which your host machine needs.
GLib is a key library that gives tools for data handling, files, and more in Linux systems. The “-native” part means it builds for your build computer, not the target device. Version 2.58.3 is old but still used in some Yocto branches or layers, like those with SELinux support.
This guide helps Yocto fetch failure problems. You will learn why the error occurs, how to find the bad URL, and ways to fix it with fetch URL alternative options. We focus on easy steps for embedded Linux developers using Yocto.
What causes the glib-2.0-native-2.58.3-r0 do_fetch: failed to fetch URL alternative Error?
The BitBake do_fetch failed error means BitBake cannot get the source file from the URLs in the recipe. Here are the main reasons:
- Broken or Moved URLs: Source sites change or remove old files. For GLib 2.58.3, the original link from GNOME might give a 404 error now.
- Network Problems: Firewalls, proxies, or bad connections block the download.
- Mirror Issues: Yocto tries fallback mirrors, but they may not have the exact file.
- Checksum Mismatches: If a partial file is in your download folder, it fails checks.
- Layer-Specific Problems: In layers like meta-selinux, extra dependencies can trigger this during glib native build issue. Yocto Mailing List Discussions on Fetch Failures1
Many users see this in Yocto recipe fetch problem logs when adding features like SELinux. The error looks like this:
text
ERROR: glib-2.0-native-2.58.3-r0 do_fetch: Fetcher failure for URL: ‘https://some-old-url/glib-2.58.3.tar.xz’
Unable to fetch URL from any source.
This is a GLib 2.58.3 download error that stops your whole build.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting for Yocto do_fetch error GLib 2.58.3 alternative
Start with simple checks before big changes.
1. Check the Error Log
Run your build command again and look at the log file. It shows in the error message, like:
text
/path/to/build/tmp/work/…/glib-2.0-native/…/temp/log.do_fetch.xxxx
Find the exact failing URL. Test it in your browser or with curl/wget. If it fails, you need a fetch URL alternative.
2. Clean the Cache and Retry
Old files can cause problems. Do this:
text
bitbake -c cleanall glib-2.0-native
rm -rf ${DL_DIR}/glib-2.58.3*
bitbake glib-2.0-native
This forces a fresh download.
3. Check Network and Proxy Settings
If behind a proxy, add to local.conf:
text
http_proxy = “http://your-proxy:port”
https_proxy = “https://your-proxy:port”
Or use environment variables before bitbake.
For git URLs, change git:// to https:// in recipes if needed.
4. Use Yocto Mirrors
Yocto has built-in mirrors. Add to local.conf:
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SOURCE_MIRROR_URL = “https://downloads.yoctoproject.org/mirror/sources/”
INHERIT += “own-mirrors.”
Or try common mirrors like sources.openembedded.org.
Best Fixes: Update SRC_URI with alternative mirrors for GLib 2.58.3 in Yocto builds
The strongest fix for glib-2.0-native-2.58.3-r0 do_fetch: failed to fetch url, alternative is to give a new download link.
Create a .bbappend File
Make a file in your layer: recipes-core/glib-2.0/glib-2.0-native_%.bbappend
Add something like:
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SRC_URI_remove = “old-bad-url.tar.xz”
SRC_URI += “https://download.gnome.org/sources/glib/2.58/glib-2.58.3.tar.xz;sha256sum=new-checksum”
Find a working URL by searching for “glib-2.58.3.tar.xz download”.
Good sources:
- https://download.gnome.org/sources/glib/2.58/
- Archive sites like archive.org, if needed.
Download the file manually, compute checksums:
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sha256sum glib-2.58.3.tar.xz
md5sum glib-2.58.3.tar.xz
Add them to the recipe:
text
SRC_URI[sha256sum] = “8f3e… (the hash)”
This solves update GLib SRC_URI to fix do_fetch failure in Yocto.
Manual Download Workaround
If a quick fix is needed:
- Download glib-2.58.3.tar.xz from a working site.
- Put it in your DL_DIR (usually downloads/ in the build folder).
- Name it exactly as the recipe expects (check log).
- BitBake will use it and check the checksum – make sure it matches or update the recipe.
This helps in Yocto Project build failing at glib-2.0-native do_fetch step.
Advanced Tips for BitBake glib native error
- Use PREMIRRORS: Point to your own mirror.
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PREMIRRORS_prepend = “https://old-site/ https://your-local-mirror/ \n” - Generate Mirror Tarballs: For offline builds:
text
BB_GENERATE_MIRROR_TARBALLS = “1” - If using meta-selinux, check for known patches in resolving do_fetch errors for meta-selinux layers in Yocto.
Bold related terms appear naturally: glib do_fetch error, Yocto build do_fetch failed, BitBake recipe troubleshooting, embedded Linux build error. Fix GLib Fetch Errors Guide (AxeeTech2)
Common Related Issues and Fixes
| Issue | Fix |
| glib-2.0 do_fetch workaround | Use .bbappend for new URL |
| how to fix glib-2.0-native-2.58.3-r0 do_fetch failed to fetch URL | Manual download + checksum |
| troubleshoot Yocto recipe fetch failure for glib-2.0-native | Check mirrors first |
| fix BitBake fetch URL broken for GLib 2.58.3 | Update to newer GLib if possible |
FAQs
Can I upgrade the GLib version?
Yes, you can do it easily in the new Yocto branches. They let you pick a higher version without much trouble. But in old branches, it is better to stay safe and just use small patches to fix problems.
Does this affect only the native or the target, too?
It mostly changes the native part. Those are the tools that run on your computer to build things. The target part, like the code for your device, stays the same most of the time because host tools come first.
What if mirrors don’t have the file?
If the mirrors do not have the file you need, you can fix it in two simple ways.
You can put the file on your own server, or you can copy it by hand into the DL_DIR folder on your computer. This way, Yocto can find it and keep building without stopping.
Conclusion
The glib-2.0-native-2.58.3-r0 do_fetch: failed to fetch url alternative error is frustrating, but fixable. By checking logs, cleaning cache, and providing alternative SRC_URI for GLib, you can get your Yocto build running again. These steps help with many fetcher task failure in BitBake problems.