Linux Engineering

This repository contains learning-focused Linux engineering projects related to Linux kernel fundamentals, kernel module programming, and low-level system building using Linux From Scratch (LFS) and Gentoo Linux.

The purpose of this repository is to demonstrate hands-on understanding of:

• Linux kernel concepts
• Kernel module lifecycle
• Linux boot process
• Kernel ↔ user-space boundaries
• UNIX-like operating system internals

This repository is intended as a junior/entry-level Linux kernel engineering portfolio.

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Repository Overview

The contents of this repository fall into the following categories:

1. Kernel Module Programming

This section contains small, testable Linux kernel modules written in C.

These modules are designed to:

• Demonstrate correct use of module_init() and module_exit()
• Show safe module load and unload behavior
• Use kernel logging (pr_info, dmesg)
• Illustrate interaction between user space and kernel space
• Follow basic kernel coding conventions

These modules are not production drivers, but educational implementations intended to build a solid foundation for Linux kernel development.

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2. Linux From Scratch (LFS) Bootstrap Files

This repository includes bootstrap scripts and configuration notes related to building Linux systems from source using Linux From Scratch (LFS).

Topics covered include:

• Toolchain bootstrap
• Kernel configuration and compilation
• Early system setup
• Understanding init, initramfs, and early boot
• Root filesystem preparation

These files reflect practical experience with manual Linux system construction and deep exposure to system internals.

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3. Gentoo Linux Configuration & Build Files

This section contains configuration files and notes used when working with Gentoo Linux.

Focus areas include:

• Custom kernel configuration
• Minimal vs generic kernel setups
• Boot configuration and troubleshooting
• Understanding modular vs built-in kernel components
• Performance and system specialization trade-offs

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Supported / Tested Environments

The code and configuration files in this repository have been tested or used with:

Linux Distributions

• Linux From Scratch (LFS)
• Gentoo Linux
• Ubuntu
• Debian
• Fedora
• Arch Linux

BSD Systems (for comparison & learning)

• FreeBSD
• DragonFly BSD
• OpenBSD
• NetBSD

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Build & Test (Kernel Modules)

Note: Kernel modules must be built against the running kernel headers.

Typical build workflow:

make
sudo insmod module_name.ko
dmesg | tail
sudo rmmod module_name

Learning Goals

This repository focuses on:

• Understanding Linux kernel fundamentals
• Developing confidence reading kernel source code
• Practicing safe kernel programming habits
• Preparing for entry-level Linux kernel engineering roles
• Bridging the gap between Linux system usage and kernel development

Disclaimer

The projects in this repository are educational.

They are not intended for production use.

The code prioritizes clarity and correctness over performance or feature completeness.

Author

Sayed Mohammad Badiezadegan

Linux & Kernel Engineering Enthusiast

GitHub: https://github.com/mbzadegan

Motivation

This repository was created as part of a structured effort to transition from advanced Linux system usage (LFS, Gentoo, BSDs) into Linux kernel development, with a focus on correctness, learning, and open-source best practices.