how to read linux kernel, any good tools to read kernel? [closed]

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Closed 8 years ago.

linux kernel is really worth to spend a lot of time of read, but it is so large, and you don't know how to trace where you should start to read, and what you have read before?

usuallly people try to read linux kernel would make some comments when reading code, anybody agree? so git maybe nice when read linux kernl, but maybe sometimes you would like to read code on web tools such as lxr, but what make you disppointed is that you cannot make comments on lxr.

google code support comment, but you cannot export such comment:( so what tool you would like to choose if you want to read source code of linux kernel?

Answer 1

You cannot understand the whole kernel at once, not even with a magic tool. There are too many facets and each has many aspects and quite a few nuances.

I suggest starting with a particular area of interest and focus primarily on it. If you have never looked at an OS before, the innermost areas are:

• memory management
• process management
• thread scheduling
• file system
• initialization

As far as tools, any good cross referencing website is fine. LXR is good, but it takes awhile to get familiar with it.

Answer 2

Before starting with code , some theory knowledge is important. Professional linux kernel architecture book will be of great help.

Lxr is good for browsing code online
VI editor with ctags and Taglist plugin is optimal for browsing kernel source code offline.