On kernel headers

harisund · 10-04-2005, 12:09 AM

Hello everyone

I often come across this 'kernel-header' thing. Could someone please explain what exactly they are? I mean, what purpose do they solve and why do some applications require them?

Also, I understand that in mepis (debian) I can apt-get linux-header-xx.xxxx or something like that, but what happens if I compile my own kernel? Where will softwares look for kernel headers in that case?

Thanks a lot

Regards
Hari

acid_kewpie · 10-04-2005, 02:34 AM

kernel headers allow you to compile software that interacts with the kernel without installing 100mb of source code. your headers will always be looked for in /usr/include/linux. there is a odd thing here though that these should not be the kernel headers for the kernel you are currently running, but instead the headers agasint which (i think) your glibc and such like is installed. you would normally only use distro provided headers, and not link to your own, something i've fallen over before.

harisund · 10-04-2005, 02:42 AM

Interesting.. thank you very much.. will look more into it by STFW I guess

Regards
Hari

syg00 · 10-04-2005, 02:48 AM

Try here for a start.