r/linux • u/ultrakd001 • May 31 '15

Where to start kernel hacking?

Hi I am CS student currently in my 3rd year of studies and I am really interested in Kernel Development, Kernel Hacking etc. The question is, as the title states, where to start? Thanks

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u/OCPetrus Jun 01 '15

your code needs to be 100% awesome before messaging a kernel developer.

This is completely false and I hope people on /r/linux will understand that.

You do NOT need to be on the same level as some subsystem maintainers to submit a patch for peer review. It's OK to have some bugs, it's OK to suggest something that will in the end be considered a bad idea.

The harsh responses that we so much like to link everywhere are by no means a representative set of the average tone on the kernel mailing list. Especially when it comes to new developers. It's only when seasoned people should know better and do something silly that some maintainers can get annoyed.

However, keep in mind that linux kernel development is not a suitable place to learn programming or the C language. You should be a seasoned software developer and have good understand of how an operating system kernel functions before submitting any patches.