Kernel Configuration - Part XXXII

We’re finally at the last step of configuring your Linux kernel. That is, we’re finishing talking about the options available in the 2.4.x Linux kernel, though we haven’t yet begun to compile the kernel itself or the modules.

Today’s section is on kernel hacking. This section is exactly as it sounds - intended for kernel developers and those interested in the underlying code that makes the kernel work. Though you can take some measure of satisfaction in customizing your kernel, it’s a far cry from kernel hacking. We’ve spent quite a few weeks talking about making the code that kernel hackers write work for your system. We haven’t talked at all about the code itself.

If you’re planning on writing code for the kernel, this section should be selected in the kernel configuration. If, like me, you’re interested merely in customizing the kernel, you can leave this section unchanged from the default, which is to leave the kernel hacking tools out of the configuration. These tools are primarily for debugging and memory testing - things you’ll never need in the everyday course of your Linux use.

Tomorrow, we’ll start tying all these elements together by building a new kernel with the options you’ve configured.