Linux Kernel Modules (LKM) Project

Welcome to the Linux Kernel Modules (LKM) project repository! This project is based on assignments from the Operating System Concepts, 10th Edition textbook, specifically focusing on Linux kernel modules, task listing, kernel data structures, and system building.

Project Overview

In this project, you will develop kernel modules for a Linux system to perform a variety of tasks. The assignments are organized into three main parts:

Part I - Introduction to Linux Kernel Modules (LKM) - Chapter 2

• Assignment: Introduction to LKM
  This part will help you get started with Linux Kernel Modules (LKM), covering the basics of module development and compilation.

• Learning Resources:

  • Chapter 2 of Operating System Concepts, 10th Edition
  • Section 2.9 on building and booting a Linux system

• Key Topics:

  • Understanding the structure and building blocks of LKM
  • Compiling and loading modules into the Linux kernel

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Part II - Linux Kernel Module for Listing Tasks - Chapter 3

• Assignment: ps-el
  Develop a kernel module to list processes running on the system, similar to the ps -el command.

• Assignment: ps-eLf
  Extend the ps-el module to display more detailed information, resembling ps -eLf.

• Learning Resources:

  • Chapter 3 of Operating System Concepts, 10th Edition
  • Pages 201–205 for detailed instructions

• Key Topics:

  • Listing tasks in the kernel using kernel data structures
  • Implementing process listing functionality in kernel space

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Part III - Kernel Data Structures - Chapter 3

• Assignment: dmesg
  Implement a kernel module to interact with the dmesg command and display kernel messages.

• Assignment: collatz
  Create a kernel module to compute the Collatz sequence and output the results.

• Learning Resources:

  • Chapter 3 of Operating System Concepts, 10th Edition
  • Pages 205–208 for detailed instructions

• Key Topics:

  • Understanding and utilizing kernel data structures
  • Implementing the dmesg functionality and algorithmic tasks in kernel space

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Setup and Installation

Requirements

• A Linux virtual machine (VM) is recommended to avoid crashes or errors on the host system.
  • Use VMware Player, VirtualBox, Microsoft Hyper-V, or any similar tool.
• A basic understanding of Linux kernel module programming and C language.

Steps to Build the Kernel Modules

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone <repository-url>
   cd <repository-directory>
   

2. Build the kernel module:

make

3. Load the kernel module:

sudo insmod <module-name>.ko

4. Check the output of the module (depending on the assignment):

• Use dmesg to view kernel log messages.
• For process listing assignments, use the appropriate ps commands.

5. Unload the kernel module:

sudo rmmod <module-name>

Additional Notes

• Caution: Working with the Linux kernel can cause system instability if errors occur. It is strongly recommended to complete these exercises on a virtual machine.
• Refer to the relevant chapters in the textbook for step-by-step instructions