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Foundations of Linux Kernel Development

Foundations of Linux Kernel Development

This course is part of Linux Kernel Programming Specialization

Instructor: Packt - Course Instructors

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5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

5 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

Intermediate level

Recommended experience

8 hours to complete

Flexible schedule

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Build and configure the Linux 6.x kernel from source code.
Create and manage basic Linux kernel modules using development best practices.
Explain Linux kernel architecture and core module programming concepts.

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This course is part of the Linux Kernel Programming Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

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There are 5 modules in this course

This course provides foundational skills in Linux kernel programming, focusing on kernel architecture, source code management, and module development. Learners gain practical insight into how the Linux kernel operates and why kernel-level programming is critical in systems development and embedded environments.

Participants will build the Linux 6.x kernel from source, configure development environments, and create basic kernel modules through guided exercises. The course strengthens practical skills in kernel compilation, module management, and secure development workflows used in real-world Linux systems. What makes this course unique is its balance of conceptual understanding and hands-on implementation. Practical walkthroughs and real-world examples help learners confidently navigate kernel programming tasks and development processes. This course is ideal for Linux developers, system programmers, and technology professionals interested in kernel development. Basic familiarity with Linux command-line usage and C programming is recommended. Packt is one of the world's most prolific publishers of cutting-edge technical content. For over two decades we've made it our mission to curate and publish the knowledge of only the very best technical experts. We focus on real-world courses that help our customers get the job done, with coverage that extends across a wide range of established and cutting-edge technical topics. If you're an individual or an organisation that embraces learning by doing, Packt is the perfect fit for you. This course is part one of a three-course Specialization designed to provide a comprehensive learning pathway in this subject area. While it delivers standalone value and practical skills, learners seeking a more integrated and in-depth progression may benefit from completing the full Specialization.

This module introduces the fundamentals of Linux kernel module (LKM) development, focusing on practical skills in kernel memory management and synchronization. Learners will gain hands-on experience using the 6.1 LTS kernel, preparing them for real-world kernel programming tasks.

What's included

1 video1 reading1 assignment

This module guides learners through the foundational steps of building the 6.x Linux kernel from source, including exploring the kernel source tree, understanding the development workflow, and configuring the kernel using Kconfig and menuconfig tools. Participants will gain hands-on experience with kernel configuration, customization, and the use of modern approaches like device trees and localmodconfig. By the end, learners will be equipped to tailor kernel builds for specific system requirements.

What's included

1 video20 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

20 readingsTotal 111 minutes

Introduction9 minutes
Viewing the Kernel's Git Log via the Command Line5 minutes
The Kernel Dev Workflow in a Nutshell6 minutes
LTS Kernels the New Mandate6 minutes
Steps to Build the Kernel from Source7 minutes
Extracting the kernel source tree15 minutes
Configuring the Linux Kernel3 minutes
How the Kconfig+Kbuild System Works a Minimal Take5 minutes
Kernel Config Using Distribution Config as a Starting Point5 minutes
The Modern Approach Using the Device Tree5 minutes
Viewing and Setting New Kernel Configs4 minutes
Getting Going with the Localmodconfig Approach5 minutes
Tuning Our Kernel Configuration via the Make Menuconfig UI4 minutes
Sample Usage of the Make Menuconfig UI5 minutes
Verifying the Kernel Config Within the Config File5 minutes
Using the Kernel's Config Script to View/Edit the Kernel Config4 minutes
Miscellaneous Tips Kernel Config4 minutes
Customizing the Kernel Menu Kconfig and Adding Our Own Menu Item4 minutes
Creating a New Menu Item Within the General Setup Menu5 minutes
A Few Details on the Kconfig Language5 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Linux Kernel Source Compilation Fundamentals16 minutes

This module guides learners through the advanced steps of building and installing the 6.x Linux kernel, including handling certificate configuration issues, installing kernel modules, generating initramfs images, and configuring the GRUB bootloader. Learners will also explore the boot process, cross-compilation for embedded systems, and best practices for verifying and troubleshooting kernel builds.

What's included

1 video12 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

12 readingsTotal 78 minutes

Introduction9 minutes
Getting Over a Cert Config Issue on Ubuntu7 minutes
Installing the Kernel Modules5 minutes
Generating the initramfs Image and Bootloader Setup6 minutes
Understanding the initramfs Framework5 minutes
Understanding the Basics of the Boot Process on the x865 minutes
More on the Initramfs Framework5 minutes
Customizing the GRUB Bootloader6 minutes
Booting Our VM via the GNU GRUB Bootloader6 minutes
Verifying Our New Kernel's Configuration7 minutes
Installing an x86_64 to AArch64 Cross-Toolchain7 minutes
Miscellaneous Tips on the Kernel Build10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Kernel Compilation and Configuration Fundamentals16 minutes

This module introduces the fundamentals of Linux kernel modules, guiding learners through writing, building, and managing modules using C and Makefiles. Learners will explore kernel logging with printk, understand log levels, and practice essential operations such as loading and unloading modules. Practical exercises reinforce key concepts in kernel space programming and debugging techniques.

What's included

1 video17 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

17 readingsTotal 98 minutes

Introduction8 minutes
Kernel Space Components7 minutes
Kernel Modules Within the Kernel Source Tree4 minutes
Writing Our Very First Kernel Module6 minutes
The -E Return Convention6 minutes
Common Operations on Kernel Modules5 minutes
A Quick First Look at the Kernel Printk6 minutes
Unloading the Module from Kernel Memory4 minutes
Understanding Kernel Logging and printk7 minutes
Using Printk Log Levels6 minutes
Writing to the Console4 minutes
Writing Output to the Raspberry Pi Console4 minutes
Turning on Debug-Level Kernel Messages8 minutes
Rate Limiting the Printk Instances4 minutes
Generating Kernel Messages from User Space6 minutes
Portability and the printk Format Specifiers6 minutes
Understanding the Basics of a Kernel Module Makefile7 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Exploring Kernel Module Fundamentals16 minutes

This module guides learners through advanced kernel module development, including cross-compiling for ARM, managing Makefiles, handling module parameters, and ensuring ABI compatibility. It also covers best practices for debugging, security, module stacking, and cryptographic signing to enhance both functionality and safety of Linux kernel modules.

What's included

1 video17 readings1 assignment

1 videoTotal 1 minute

Overview1 minute

17 readingsTotal 107 minutes

Introduction6 minutes
Configuring a Debug Kernel9 minutes
Pointing the Makefile to the Correct Kernel Source Tree for the Target4 minutes
Examining Linux Kernel ABI Compatibility Issues6 minutes
Summarizing What Went Wrong with the Module Cross-Buildd/Load and How It Was Fixed6 minutes
Being a Bit More Security-Aware8 minutes
Emulating Library-like Features for Kernel Modules4 minutes
Understanding Function and Variable Scope in a Kernel Module6 minutes
Understanding Module Stacking6 minutes
Trying Them Out6 minutes
Passing Parameters to a Kernel Module5 minutes
Getting/Setting Module Parameters After Insertion6 minutes
Overriding the Module Parameter's Name6 minutes
Auto-loading Modules on System Boot6 minutes
Module Auto-Loading Additional Details5 minutes
Kernel Modules and Security An Overview6 minutes
Understanding the Cryptographic Signing of Kernel Modules12 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 16 minutes

Kernel Module Fundamentals and Development Practices16 minutes

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Packt - Course Instructors

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Frequently asked questions

Yes, you can preview the first video and view the syllabus before you enroll. You must purchase the course to access content not included in the preview.

If you decide to enroll in the course before the session start date, you will have access to all of the lecture videos and readings for the course. You’ll be able to submit assignments once the session starts.

Once you enroll and your session begins, you will have access to all videos and other resources, including reading items and the course discussion forum. You’ll be able to view and submit practice assessments, and complete required graded assignments to earn a grade and a Course Certificate.