Linux Kernel and Device Drivers Course

Linux Kernel and Device Drivers Course

Start Date:
TBD
90
academic hours
Final Project
Linux Kernel and Device Drivers

Linux Kernel and Device Drivers Course

The Linux Kernel and Device Drivers course is designed to provide you with in-depth knowledge and hands-on skills for developing kernel modules and device drivers for the Linux operating system. Linux's open-source nature and widespread use in embedded systems, servers, and consumer devices make these skills highly valuable in today's technology landscape.

Key aspects of Linux Kernel and Device Driver development covered in our course include:
  • Kernel Architecture: Understand the structure and functioning of the Linux kernel.
  • Kernel Modules: Learn to develop and debug loadable kernel modules.
  • Character Drivers: Master the creation of character device drivers.
  • Block Drivers: Explore the development of block device drivers.
  • PCI Drivers: Implement drivers for PCI devices.
  • Kernel Synchronization: Understand and apply various synchronization mechanisms.
In this course, you'll learn to:
  • Set up a Linux kernel development environment/li>
  • Develop and compile kernel modules
  • Create character and block device drivers
  • Implement PCI device drivers
  • Debug kernel code and drivers
  • Handle interrupts and manage DMA operations
  • Optimize driver performance and ensure proper synchronization
  • Work with the Linux Device Model
  • Develop drivers for embedded Linux systems

By completing this Linux Kernel and Device Drivers course, you'll be well-equipped to contribute to Linux kernel development and create custom drivers for various hardware devices.

private lessons

Why Learn Linux Kernel and Device Drivers Development

  • High Demand: Strong demand for Linux kernel and driver developers in various industries.
  • Customization: Ability to create custom drivers for specific hardware needs.
  • Performance Optimization: Skills to optimize system performance at the kernel level.
  • Embedded Systems: Essential for developing drivers in embedded Linux environments.
  • Open Source Contribution: Opportunity to contribute to the Linux kernel community.
  • Deep Understanding: Gain in-depth knowledge of operating system internals.
private lessons

What You Learn in Our Linux Kernel and Device Drivers course

  • Introduction to Linux kernel architecture
  • Setting up a kernel development environment
  • Kernel module development basics
  • Character device drivers implementation
  • Memory management in the kernel
  • Kernel synchronization mechanisms
  • Interrupt handling and bottom halves
  • Block device driver development
  • PCI device drivers
  • DMA and cache management
  • The Linux Device Model
  • Debugging kernel code and drivers
  • Kernel security considerations
  • Performance tuning and optimization
  • Embedded Linux driver development
private lessons

Who Should Attend

  • Linux system programmers
  • Embedded systems developers
  • Software engineers interested in low-level system programming
  • Hardware engineers working with Linux-based systems
  • Open-source enthusiasts looking to contribute to the Linux kernel
  • Computer Science students specializing in operating systems
  • IT professionals seeking to deepen their Linux expertise
private lessons

Prerequisites

  • Proficiency in C programming
  • Basic understanding of operating system concepts
  • Familiarity with Linux command line and system administration
  • Knowledge of computer architecture fundamentals
  • Experience with Git version control system is beneficial

Skills & Techniques

  • Developing and compiling Linux kernel modules
  • Creating character and block device drivers
  • Implementing PCI device drivers
  • Handling interrupts and DMA operations
  • Applying proper synchronization techniques in kernel space
  • Debugging kernel code using various tools (kgdb, ftrace, etc.)
  • Optimizing driver performance
  • Working with the Linux Device Model
  • Developing drivers for embedded Linux systems
  • Contributing to open-source kernel projects

Course Structure

Ch. 1

Linux Kernel overview- Main characteristics

Ch. 2

Kernel Basic data structures

Ch. 3

Scheduling in Linux

Ch. 4

Developing Kernel Modules

Ch. 5

Character Device Drivers as LKMs

Ch. 6

Pin Control and GPIO Subsystem

Ch. 7

Kernel object model

Ch. 8

Sysfs Devices/buses/drivers/subsystems

Ch. 9

Udev

Ch. 10

Memory management

Ch. 11

Platform Device Drivers

Ch. 12

Linux Device Tree

Ch. 13

I/O memory and ports

Ch. 14

Wait Queues

Ch. 15

Interrupts and Exceptions

Ch. 16

Work deferring mechanism

Ch. 17

Kernel Synchronization

Ch. 18

I2C Client Drivers

Ch. 19

SPI Device Drivers

Ch. 20

IIC frame work

Head of the department
teacher-image-Benny-Cohen

Meet your instructor

Benny Cohen

Embedded Academy Founder and CEO

As a long-time veteran in the technology industry, Benny Cohen combines a deep passion for technology with extensive field experience. With a B.Sc. in Electronics Engineering and an M.Sc. in Communication Engineering, he has spent over 20 years developing software and hardware systems, including the last few years focusing on the cybersecurity industry. In addition to his role as the company founder & CEO, Benny also operates as a hands-on practitioner who specializes in penetration testing and has conducted significant security assessments for leading enterprises and security companies worldwide. His approachable teaching style and real-world expertise make learning both engaging and relevant.

What our graduates say

FAQs

What development environment is used in this course?

We use a standard Linux distribution (e.g., Ubuntu) with the necessary development tools. Detailed setup instructions are provided.

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Is this course suitable for beginners in Linux?

This is an advanced course. We recommend having solid Linux usage and C programming experience before enrolling.

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How does this course prepare me for real-world kernel development?

We emphasize practical, hands-on coding and debugging, simulating real-world kernel development scenarios.

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Will this course prepare me for Linux kernel maintainer roles?

While it provides a strong foundation, becoming a kernel maintainer typically requires extensive experience and community involvement beyond this course.

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Is the course updated for the latest Linux kernel version?

We regularly update our content to reflect recent stable kernel releases and current development practices.

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Does this course cover driver development for specific hardware?

We cover general principles and common hardware interfaces. For very specialized hardware, additional learning may be required.

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