I'm an electronics engineer experienced in C and Python, mostly working with microcontrollers. I want to expand my knowledge into processors and operating systems, especially focusing on ARM Cortex A series. I've decided to study the Linux source code, but I'm overwhelmed by its complexity with too many folders and .c files. I also need help understanding how to debug Linux, as I'm more familiar with Windows and VScode. What are some effective ways to begin learning about the Linux kernel and debugging its source code?
5 Answers
Starting with the whole Linux source code can be daunting; it’s immense! A better approach is to check out the Arch Wiki and consider building Linux From Scratch (LFS). This will give you a solid foundation while you familiarize yourself with the system's structure.
The Linux kernel is pretty intricate. If you’re looking for a starting point, try reading 'A Heavily-Commented Linux Kernel Source Code.' It's based on an older version of Linux that’s simpler and comes highly recommended, though it is quite thick at around a thousand pages. You can find it online for free.
Documentation is your best friend! Start with the kernel documentation available at kernel.org—it’s designed to help newcomers understand the kernel's workings. Don't skip this step; it can really make things clearer.
Instead of diving straight into Linux, you might enjoy starting with a simpler OS like Minix or MikeOS to learn the basics of operating systems before tackling Linux. They focus on education and are much more manageable.
To really grasp the Linux kernel, consider exploring driver code first. Look into how drivers function and then delve into the subsystems they interact with. It’s impossible to know the entire kernel, but this will give you a good insight into its workings.
Could you point me to some good tutorials for those drivers?