Best of Kernel Development — 2025

  1. 1
    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·51w

    manaskamal/XenevaOS: The Xeneva Operating System

    XenevaOS is a custom operating system built from scratch supporting both x86_64 and ARM64 architectures. It features the Aurora hybrid kernel, a compositing window manager called Deodhai, graphics library Chitralekha, and includes networking, audio, USB3, and storage support. The OS comes with built-in applications like a file browser, calculator, terminal, and audio player, and welcomes open-source contributions from developers interested in low-level system development.

  2. 2
    Article
    Avatar of lobstersLobsters·50w

    r9os/r9: The R9 operating system

    R9 is a reimplementation of the Plan 9 operating system kernel written in Rust. The project supports multiple architectures including x86-64, aarch64, and RISC-V, and can be built using cargo with the xtask pattern. It runs on QEMU emulation and has been tested on real hardware like Raspberry Pi 4. The project includes detailed build instructions, runtime dependencies, and setup guides for both emulated and physical hardware deployment.

  3. 3
    Article
    Avatar of collectionsCollections·1y

    Linus Torvalds Pushes for Rust Integration in Linux Kernel Amidst Maintainer Concerns

    The Linux kernel development community is navigating the challenges of incorporating Rust code, balancing safety with maintainability. Rust offers significant benefits for memory safety, potentially reducing bugs and improving reliability. Despite these advantages, concerns remain about the complexity of a multi-language codebase and maintainer burnout. The gradual integration, marked by the Linux 6.13 kernel's initial Rust support, reflects a cautious yet optimistic approach towards Rust's long-term benefits for a safer kernel.

  4. 4
    Article
    Avatar of hnHacker News·1y

    Operating System in 1,000 Lines

    Build a simple operating system from scratch in 1,000 lines of code, focusing on basic context switching, paging, user mode, a command-line shell, a disk device driver, and file operations in C. The process includes learning different debugging techniques essential for OS development. The book is ideal for those familiar with C language and UNIX-like environments.

  5. 5
    Article
    Avatar of phoronixPhoronix·1y

    Torvalds Frustrated Over "Disgusting" Testing "Turd" DRM Code Landing In Linux 6.15

    Linux creator Linus Torvalds expressed frustration over the inclusion of subpar 'hdrtest' code in the Linux 6.15 release. He criticized the code for slowing down builds, leaving unnecessary files, and creating conflicts in the build process. Torvalds suggested that such tests should be run separately and not affect the regular build procedure.

  6. 6
    Video
    Avatar of primeagenThePrimeTime·1y

    "... maybe the problem is you" - Linus

    The post discusses a controversy within the Linux community over integrating Rust code into the Linux kernel. Key points of contention include concerns about maintainability and the burden of managing a multi-language codebase. Prominent figures like Christopher Helwig, Greg Kroah-Hartman, and Linus Torvalds offer varying perspectives, with some emphasizing the importance of keeping the codebase uniform for easier maintenance, while others argue for the benefits and necessary adaptations for incorporating Rust.

  7. 7
    Article
    Avatar of theregisterThe Register·37w

    Three alternative microkernels show devs don't need Linux

    Three innovative microkernel projects offer alternatives to Linux kernel development: Managarm (C++ microkernel with Linux binary compatibility), Asterinas (Rust-based framekernel using language features for privilege separation), and Xous (Rust microkernel powering the Precursor security device). These projects demonstrate viable paths forward amid recent tensions in Linux kernel development, including Rust integration conflicts and developer departures from high-profile projects like Asahi Linux and bcachefs.

  8. 8
    Article
    Avatar of phoronixPhoronix·1y

    More Rust Code Is Coming For Linux 6.14 Along With Hitting Another "Major Milestone"

    Linux 6.14 will include significant additions of Rust code, marking a major milestone with the use of stable Rust features like derive(CoercePointee). Key updates include Rust infrastructure improvements, new environment variables for linking proc macros, support for Rust on macOS during kernel builds, and enhancements to the Rust kernel crate. Upcoming driver core pull requests are expected to introduce Rust PCI and platform device driver support.

  9. 9
    Article
    Avatar of ebpfeBPF·1y

    eBPF Announces Support for Tolkien Ring

    eBPF has announced native support for the Tolkien Ring, the oldest networking protocol. This ambitious project revives a fully decentralized, peer-to-peer network, showcasing eBPF's capability to modernize ancient systems. The integration required significant updates to eBPF’s verifier and compilers to handle the unique characteristics of Tolkien Ring, including packet delivery based on destiny and immutable states. The adaptation promises optimized message throughput and a dynamic, real-time update to routing decisions.

  10. 10
    Article
    Avatar of infosecwriteupsInfoSec Write-ups·38w

    How to Ruin Your Weekend: Building a DIY EDR

    A detailed walkthrough of building a custom Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) system called 'RottenTomato' from scratch. The project demonstrates kernel driver development, process monitoring through Windows callbacks, static analysis of executables, and DLL injection techniques for runtime monitoring. The implementation includes a kernel driver that intercepts process creation events, a static analyzer that examines binaries for suspicious characteristics, and a remote injector that performs user-space hooking to detect malicious memory allocations.

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