Navigating the Linux Kernel: Complexity and Collaboration

This chapter explores the relationship between hardware complexity and the Linux kernel, emphasizing its role as an interface that manages hardware differences. It details the development processes, including the hierarchical model of contributions, as well as specific examples such as the USB serial driver, highlighting the importance of proper documentation and licensing in kernel development.

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Linux is the most widespread operating system, globally – but how is it built? Few people are better to answer this than Greg Kroah-Hartman: a Linux kernel maintainer for 25 years, and one of the 3 Linux Kernel Foundation Fellows (the other two are Linus Torvalds and Shuah Khan). Greg manages the Linux kernel’s stable releases, and is a maintainer of multiple kernel subsystems.

We cover the inner workings of Linux kernel development, exploring everything from how changes get implemented to why its community-driven approach produces such reliable software. Greg shares insights about the kernel's unique trust model and makes a case for why engineers should contribute to open-source projects. We go into:

• How widespread is Linux?

• What is the Linux kernel responsible for – and why is it a monolith?

• How does a kernel change get merged? A walkthrough

• The 9-week development cycle for the Linux kernel

• Testing the Linux kernel

• Why is Linux so widespread?

• The career benefits of open-source contribution

• And much more!

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Timestamps

(00:00) Intro

(02:23) How widespread is Linux?