Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel

Re:Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel by voltagex_ on Tuesday August 16, 2016 @12:39AM (#12295574)

I second the recommentation for the Eudyptula Challenge although the "rule" about not asking/posting for help is probably why I have been on Challenge 5 for about a year.

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Re:Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel by rrmm on Tuesday August 16, 2016 @01:04AM (#12295644)

Lots of good suggestions on the list. I would add a few (maybe advanced ones) that I don't think I saw:

* write a device driver for a real or virtual device; hook into the various kernel virtual filesystems that allow userspace interaction.

* write a small network stack (for example a raw protocol on top of ethernet).

* add a scheduling algorithm or mess with an existing one; analyze its performance impact.

Lots of new-to-me tools in that list were interesting. Back in my day, we had to use a serial port console, and if we were fancy we would set it up so that you could remotely cycle the computer's power when it hung up (uphill both ways in the snow).

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Re:Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel by voltagex_ on Tuesday August 16, 2016 @01:40AM (#12295746)

Everything old is new again - serial port debugging has been invaluable for me when I was messing with the Dreamplug, and then the Raspberry Pi.

I think I'd add using a serial-based terminal to that list too. Embedded hardware can be infuriating, but fun.

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Re:Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel by rkachowski on Tuesday August 16, 2016 @04:30AM (#12296199)

Is this still running?

I've sent a few emails about joining the challenge around 2 months ago (after a multi year break) but have yet to receive even the automated response..

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Re:Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel by tronje on Tuesday August 16, 2016 @05:05AM (#12296283)

Did you make sure to send non-HTML email?

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Re:Ideas for getting started in the Linux kernel by rkachowski on Tuesday August 16, 2016 @07:30AM (#12296700)

yeah - i'd gotten up to level 9 before. i just wanted to start again but didn't receive any response.

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