Best of Kernel Development — 2024

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    Video
    Avatar of lowlevellearningLow Level Learning·2y

    i was right.

    The post discusses the prevalence and issues with kernel mode anti-cheat systems in gaming. It highlights the CrowdStrike incident, where a bad update caused significant global disruptions, and explores Microsoft's plans to move security functionalities out of kernel mode to enhance system security. This change could have a profound impact on gaming, especially for Linux, by making anti-cheat solutions less intrusive and easier to implement across platforms.

  2. 2
    Video
    Avatar of primeagenThePrimeTime·2y

    what is wrong with rust and linux????

    The post discusses the challenges and intense debates around integrating Rust into the Linux kernel, focusing on file system abstractions. It highlights the friction between traditional C developers and Rust proponents, the potential benefits of Rust's type system, and suggestions for Rust's role in future kernel development. Significant burnout among Rust contributors to the kernel is noted, with some proposing the creation of a Linux-compatible kernel in Rust from scratch as a solution.

  3. 3
    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·2y

    ExectOS Operating System

    ExectOS is a modern, open-source operating system designed from scratch with a focus on stability, flexibility, and compatibility with existing software. It features the XT architecture, derived from NT, with a modular design that integrates hardware-specific code with the kernel. ExectOS aims to bring the best features from existing systems while allowing for significant innovation and flexibility. It supports x86 and x86_64 architectures and aims to maintain driver compatibility even when the core system is updated.

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    Article
    Avatar of communityCommunity Picks·2y

    Getting called "Paid Actor" by Linus Torvalds

    A recent commit by Greg K-H to remove several Linux kernel maintainers due to vague compliance requirements has sparked controversy in the community. Some have raised concerns about the lack of transparency, suggesting that even a basic citation of the NDA or law involved would be better. The situation escalated when Linus Torvalds accused those questioning the commit of being Russian trolls, and later referred to a critic as a 'paid actor.' This has led to discussions about how open-source projects should handle such sensitive decisions transparently.

  5. 5
    Article
    Avatar of c_communityC/C++ Community·2y

    🔧 Kernel Development with C++

    Explore the essentials of kernel programming using C++, including setup, project structuring, and implementing C++ features in a kernel context.

  6. 6
    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·1y

    Bananymous/banan-os: Mirror of banan-os, my hobby operating system

    A hobby operating system, banan-os, written in C++ supports x86_64 and i686 architectures with features such as SMP multiprocessing, ELF executable loading, ARP/ICMP/IP stack, and support for various disk types and network interfaces. The system includes tools for building and compiling, as well as extensive functionality for keyboard, mouse, and USB device support. Instructions for building the OS and toolchain are provided, along with guidance for contributing to the project.

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    Video
    Avatar of lowlevellearningLow Level Learning·2y

    this new Linux feature makes hacking IMPOSSIBLE

    In 2024, memory corruption remains the leading cause of hacks. A new Linux kernel feature called mseal aims to mitigate this by preventing hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities. mseal, developed by Jeff Zoo, seals a memory page, making it impossible to change its permissions or expand it, thus hindering common hacking techniques like buffer overflows. This feature, however, comes with some limitations, particularly regarding its application to the heap and stack memory regions.

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    Article
    Avatar of phoronixPhoronix·2y

    Linus Torvalds Begins Expressing Regrets Merging Bcachefs

    Linus Torvalds expresses regret over merging Bcachefs into the Linux kernel, criticizing the continuous development during release cycles and questioning its stability and suitability for the upstream kernel. He suggests that Bcachefs' current state may not align with the normal upstream kernel release schedule requirements.

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    Article
    Avatar of communityCommunity Picks·1y

    RAII and the Rust/Linux Drama

    There has been significant tension between Rust and C developers over the inclusion of Rust in the Linux kernel. Proponents argue that Rust's technical benefits, such as RAII and strong memory safety, are being unfairly dismissed. Critics hold that these features may hinder performance and introduce unwanted complexity. Key figures like Asahi Lina highlight difficulties and resistance faced in integrating Rust. The debate touches on deeper issues of programming philosophy and performance vs. safety trade-offs.

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    Article
    Avatar of collectionsCollections·2y

    Rust Linux Kernel Maintainer Steps Down Amid Nontechnical Challenges

    After nearly four years, Rust Linux Kernel maintainer Wedson Almeida Filho has stepped down due to nontechnical issues overshadowing his work. He praised his team and emphasized the importance of adopting memory-safe languages like Rust to keep up with other kernels. Filho highlighted challenges integrating Rust into the Linux kernel due to resistance from C developers but remains hopeful about the project's future.

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    Article
    Avatar of collectionsCollections·2y

    Linus Torvalds on Rust Integration, Maintainer Challenges, and the Future of Linux

    The integration of Rust into the Linux kernel aims to leverage Rust's memory safety features for increased code reliability. Developers face challenges with compatibility and flexibility when working with Rust, especially concerning device drivers and kernel subsystems. Linus Torvalds supports the debate and sees potential in Rust, despite resistance from some maintainers. The mix of experienced and new contributors continues to drive development, ensuring the Linux project's growth and resilience.

  12. 12
    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·2y

    Rust for Linux revisited

    The Rust-for-Linux initiative has made significant progress over the past two years, yet it has faced significant political and cultural challenges within the Linux community, leading to burnout among its contributors. The post suggests an alternative path: developing a new, Linux-compatible OS from scratch using Rust, free from the political hurdles. This approach could yield faster, meaningful results and potentially attract a larger pool of contributors.