What is all about Kernel Programming?

Quite simply, this is a tutorial on how to download, configure, build, install and reboot a new Linux kernel. It's also the first lesson in what will be a multi-lesson course on introductory Linux kernel programming, but I don't need to get into that at the moment. Instead, I'd rather just get down to business since there will be plenty of time later to take the long view, and lay out the plan and so on.

And, yes, I know this is supposed to be a course on Linux kernel programming for beginners, but we definitely need to establish the fundamentals first. So the first few lessons will concentrate on kernel configuration and build issues, and we should get around to having you write and run your first kernel module by lesson four. So be patient -- it will all be happening in due course.

And on that note, let me make a brief disclaimer. This first lesson will be a bit more terse than what I normally write since I simply want to get this done and published and let readers start playing. I'll come back over the next day or two, add a few more thoughts, clarify anything that needs clarifying -- you know, that sort of thing. But for me, it's time to stop talking and start writing so you folks can start experimenting.

Most importantly, there's a comments section at the bottom of this piece, so I encourage you to ask questions, make observations, demand clarification, whatever you want. This is meant to be interactive, so by all means, interact. And there is one more point to be made.