Before pkg-config had become widespread, libraries shipped shell scripts to give information about the libraries and include paths needed to build software (usually named LIBNAME-config). This class assists any recipe using such scripts.

During staging, BitBake installs such scripts into the sysroots/ directory. BitBake also changes all paths to point into the sysroots/ directory so all builds that use the script will use the correct directories for the cross compiling layout.