Kernel Development Learning Pipeline

L0 - 18 January 2023

Lecture Recording

Notes on first class:

• Do this right now: </course_application.html>
  • To get in discord server
• Online Syllabus: <../index.md>
• This is not like other classes!!!
  • The course attempts to encapsulate the ethos of open source development in a classroom environment
  • Introduce the tools, techniques and etiquette of submitting code to the kernel and provide practice with them
  • Practical C coding, and plenty of it!
  • Practical research
• This means:
  • Public submissions
  • Peer review
  • Emphasis on presenting your work and explaining the process vs just getting the right answer
• Why should you care? Why is the grind worth it?
  • This class will let you practice key skills for your career in a lower stakes environment:
    • Practice communication skills that are absolutely invaluable in the tech industry
    • Wisdom from people who already have careers in CS
    • Experience with C programming on a large codebase
    • Experience with git and other linux utilities
  • And, if you are considering a career in kernel development:
    • Instructors are the real deal
    • Guest lectures from senior developers at Red Hat
    • Linux Foundation Certificate
    • Familiar with kernel code base / functions
    • Familiar with mailing list workflow
• Requirements to be able to complete the class successfully (do, or have done this by add drop or you should drop the class):
  • A Linux environment that you have root access to
    • The following are not adequate:
      • The UML CS servers (you do not have root access)
      • WSL (need to be able to compile custom kernel)
    • Recommended:
      • Run Linux in a virtual machine
    • Possible, but not recommended:
      • Dual boot
    • Ideal, but expensive (don’t go buying hardware for this class)
      • Second machine
    • Even if you use linux as a daily driver, you might still consider a VM or dual booting to protect your main install (e.g. from downtime or data loss in case you mess something up since we are working on the kernel)
  • Setup VM ASAP!
    • If you are on Windows or an intel (x64) mac use Virtual box
    • If you are on linux, use QEMU
    • If you are on an M1 (aarch64) mac use UTM
  • We recommend installing Fedora Linux since it is a fully open source distro that upstream pretty closely
    • Download the iso file for the right architecture (x86_64 for windows and intel mac, aarch64 for M1 mac)
    • Setup vm with appropriate amount of resources
    • Ensure you can connect to it using ssh from your host machine
    • Shut it down and set it to headless mode (no window). Start and stop as needed for your course work
• Go over course policies: <../policies/course_policies.html>
• Introductory assignments
  • Fill out the form on the website. A(-1), due end of day today!
  • Git and git patches. A0, due tomorrow!
  • Setting up git send email, A0
  • Shell. A1 due 11:59pm Jan 29
  • Compiling kernel. A2 due 11:59pm Jan 29
  • We will provide as much help and guidance as we can
    • The lectures until Jan 30 will be reserved for questions about the assignments. If there are no questions, we will proceed with the scheduled lecture material.
  • If you can’t handle the heat, get out of the kitchen…
• In conclusion
  • This class is relatively frontloaded!
  • If you can make it past A2, you will probably be fine.
  • NO EXAMS! 😀
• Do this right now if you have not
  • COURSE APPLICATION
  • Send to kdlp-application@googlegroups.com
• Mailing lists for A0:
  • For UML students: kdlp-spring23-uml@googlegroups.com
  • For LFX mentees: kdlp-spring23-lfx@googlegroups.com