Advanced Linux: The Linux Kernel

Master the fundamentals of working with the Linux kernel. Learn how to read and write proc files, work with loadable kernel modules and source code, and configure the kernel.

Introduction

• Linux kernel overview
• Using the exercise files
• Prerequisites and takeaways
• What is the Linux kernel?
• Where's the kernel?

1. Surveying the Linux Kernel

• Discover and control hardware
• Understand system call mechanics
• Read messages from the kernel
• Use the /proc and /sys filesystems
• Challenge: hw, syscalls, proc and sysfs
• Challenge: Solution

2. Booting

• Understanding the bootloader GRUB
• Configuring GRUB
• Kernel command line parameters
• Configuring and using systemd services
• Debugging initramfs images
• Challenge: GRUB, targets, the initramfs
• Challenge: Solution

3. Working with Loadable Kernel Modules

• Loadable kernel modules (LKMs)
• Finding the LKMs
• Using LKM commands
• Identifying how LKMs work
• Challenge: Working the LKMs
• Challenge: Solution

4. Examining Linux Kernel Source Code

• Get the kernel source
• Explore the kernel makefile
• Examine and build kernel documentation
• Search the kernel source
• Examine kernel driver source
• Additional selected subdirectories
• Challenge: Linux kernel source code
• Challenge: Solution

5. Configuring and Building a Linux Kernel

• Using make menuconfig
• Using make xconfig
• Explore kernel config files
• Build and install modules and kernel
• Challenge: Installing a kernel and LKMs
• Challenge: Solution

Conclusion

• Next steps