Anatomy of a Run-Time - Your Contract with the Kernel

Explore the intricate relationship between operating system kernels and language run-times in this 30-minute conference talk from linux.conf.au 2020. Delve into how kernel design influences run-time development, essential components for software creation, and the impact of existing design choices on software portability. Examine specific examples including Rust on Linux, freestanding C18 embedded applications, and microkernel development with seL4. Gain insights into building operating system components, creating OS personalities, and understanding the requirements for 'portable' run-times. Learn how these factors shape the future of programming languages and kernel development in the open-source ecosystem.

Intro
Anatomy of a run-time
Overview
Programming language run-time
Features of run-times & standard libraries
How a runtime provides features
Rust on Linux
A simple file server
Freestanding C18 Embedded applications
What is a microkernel? Developing with a microkernel
What features does sel4 provide? Developing with a microkernel
The initial thread in an sel4 system
Crun-time for seL4 initial thread
Useful application in the initial thread?
Bootstrapping an OS on sel4
C runtime for initial OS
Full system support Building operating system components
Operating system personalities Building operating system components
An operating system personality Building operating system components
C runtime for our OS personality
Requirements of 'portable' run-times