Linux - NewbieThis Linux forum is for members that are new to Linux.
Just starting out and have a question?
If it is not in the man pages or the how-to's this is the place!
Notices
Welcome to LinuxQuestions.org, a friendly and active Linux Community.
You are currently viewing LQ as a guest. By joining our community you will have the ability to post topics, receive our newsletter, use the advanced search, subscribe to threads and access many other special features. Registration is quick, simple and absolutely free. Join our community today!
Note that registered members see fewer ads, and ContentLink is completely disabled once you log in.
If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact us. If you need to reset your password, click here.
Having a problem logging in? Please visit this page to clear all LQ-related cookies.
Get a virtual cloud desktop with the Linux distro that you want in less than five minutes with Shells! With over 10 pre-installed distros to choose from, the worry-free installation life is here! Whether you are a digital nomad or just looking for flexibility, Shells can put your Linux machine on the device that you want to use.
Exclusive for LQ members, get up to 45% off per month. Click here for more info.
Hello,
I've been using linux as a home user for the last one year, however a need to start kernel hacking has arised several times, but i failed to start it somehow.
i have bought a few books like, linux kernel programming by R.LOVE, kernel internals, LDD etc , and have read several articles online, from kernelnewbies, kernel trap and numerous ppts, pdf's, docs etc, however i have failed to grasp WHERE DO I REALLY START !!
i want to do the core programming, i am FINE in c programming,stil need to learn quite much.
I would be highly oblidged if you guys could point me in the right direction, without which i wud be standing on the same point wasting time...!!
Hi Hydroweaver,
Welcome to the Open Source community.
Good to know that you have all the reference materials with you. Now all you need is kernel source code. You can find it from kernel.org.
Download and begin hacking the source, try understanding the flow of kernel and couple of existing drivers. Use the LDD and other materials as references. It will be also good to have an embedded platform (if you can afford one) where you can boot Linux and try out more experiments with it.
It will be challenging for first few weeks, later you will be teaching other's about Linux
WISH YOU ALL THE BEST
Best regards,
Suresh Maniyath
Last edited by Suresh Maniyath; 11-18-2009 at 03:55 AM.
I am sorry for the late reply, but what did you exactly mean by EMBEDDED, i have a linux box, basically a pulled up old pc...with 128 mb ram, 666mhz proc, i have installed ubuntu 6.06 on it !!...only its TOOO slow !!
about the source code, i have it..infact the latest...however, i think i will have to install it first....which is quite a pain...when i do it on 128mb ..!!
hi...i have this one...but even these guyz assume i that the reader is a pro in building the drivers...they dont really go to the scratch !
Have you ever built a kernel before? If not, find out how "from the web" (there are lots of good tutorials) and make sure you're comfortable with that before you go any further. Best way is to get the same kernel version from kernel.org as your current system uses, then copy the configuration file (which should be in the /boot/ directory) and do a 'make oldconfig' instead of doing a custom configuration.
You have LDD (as was linked above) - start working through it from the start. Make sure you write out and compile all the examples. This book does assume that you know how to build a working kernel, and will take you though how to build modules from the ground up. After you've been through that, Linux is your oyster.
"""what did you exactly mean by EMBEDDED, i have a Linux box"""
I meant about some development board with basic ports like serial, Ethernet etc. There are some ARM based low cost boards available in the market. One such board is "Beagle" using Texas Instruments OMAP3530 processor. It is possible to experiment and write Linux device drivers etc using such board.
Just another question here, how can i delve into embedded devices developement, on an x86 machine, using the same linux base ?
You could have a look into emulators - I don't know if there are any good ones out there.
Even better, you could get yourself a not-too-expensive embedded device and actively poke at it. Look for Arduino modules or the Make Controller Kit, which is more expensive but has more features (networking, ready-make RTOS, etc.).
How about beagle board, as stated above ?, what is the difference ?
I am having a little problem , putting the facts together...that is like, if i want to develop applications for, or port linux to beagle board, or controller kits as mentioned above or embedded systems, do i need a running system embedded system for such purpose, or all the cross-compiling toolchain on my x86 ?
Also, i am a confused about beagle boards and arduino...i know BB is a computer, but how are they different, what can be done with one which can't be done with the other, and how can they help me individually ? and can both be used for making embedded apps for (say mobile phones ?) (sorry for asking so many questions!)
Last edited by hydroweaver; 12-04-2009 at 12:34 PM.
Reason: need to add something !
LinuxQuestions.org is looking for people interested in writing
Editorials, Articles, Reviews, and more. If you'd like to contribute
content, let us know.