Linux kernel functions and kernel module development

Question

I am about to write my first kernel module for Linux ubuntu 3.8.0-29-generic

I do not have man 9 section for kernel functions (e.g. kmalloc, kfree...) Neither can I see some function definitions in /usr/include, but rather in /usr/src/linux-headers-3.2.0-53/include/linux. How do I include headers in my code in this case?

I suspect there might be something like apt-get install kernel-devel that would solve all these issues at once, but I can't find one.

Also a link to a good introduction to kernel module writing would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Use the Synaptic Package Manager, and search for "dev" packages. — sawdust
– sawdust, Commented Nov 5, 2014 at 0:04

Oren Kishon · Accepted Answer · 2014-11-05 09:45:45Z

1

If you want to use kernel version 3.8.0, why do you have the headers of 3.2.0? You can download an extra source tree with the 3.8.0 and compile a new kernel without replacing the existing 3.2.0.

any way, lets work on the existing 3.2.0.

First, make sure the kernel the system is running is the same version as the headers directory you've mentioned.

Check your system kernel version using:

$ uname -r

And see that you get 3.2.0. This means that when you include (#include) kernel header files in your program, they will be the ones in /usr/src/linux-headers-3.2.0-53/include/linux.
Second, installing man section 9: For that you will need to download the kernel source code. Choose the version you want from https://www.kernel.org/ and download it to your home directory. In that source directory execute:

$ sudo apt-get install xmlto

$ make mandocs

$ sudo make installmandocs

answered Nov 5, 2014 at 9:45

Oren Kishon

8079 silver badges10 bronze badges

Sign up to request clarification or add additional context in comments.

3 Comments

wick Over a year ago

kernel.org doesn't have my version (3.13.0-24). is there a way to do that with apt-get source?

Oren Kishon Over a year ago

I think you can download it from here packages.ubuntu.com/trusty/linux-source-3.13.0

wick Over a year ago

it happened be much easier with apt-get (wiki.ubuntu.com/Kernel/BuildYourOwnKernel). And I will accept your answer as it helped me with those mandocs makes :-)

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

Linux kernel functions and kernel module development

1 Answer 1

3 Comments

Your Answer

Hot Network Questions

Collectives™ on Stack Overflow

1 Answer 1

3 Comments

Your Answer

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest

Related