Master New Skills with 5-Minute Bite-Sized Learning Modules

Start your journey for free.

system Advanced 21 lessons

Linux Kernel Development

Dive into the core of Linux. Learn to write Loadable Kernel Modules (LKMs), device drivers, and debug kernel space code.

The Linux Kernel is the most complex open source project in history. This course teaches you to modify and extend it. You will learn the difference between User Space and Kernel Space. Write your first Loadable Kernel Module (LKM) and Character Device Driver. We explore kernel synchronization (Spinlocks, Semaphores), memory allocation (kmalloc/vmalloc), and interrupt handling. You will also learn to compile custom kernels and debug crashes using QEMU and GDB.

✅ 100% Free & Lifetime Access
⏱️ 5-Minute Lessons (Bite-sized learning)
🚀 21-Lesson Path (Independent modules)
📱 Mobile Friendly (Learn anywhere)
Kernel Maintainers
Start Learning
Secure Enrollment via SSL

Complete Course Syllabus

  • 1
    Kernel Architecture
    Monolithic design, modules, and the build system.
  • 2
    Your First Module
    Writing hello_world.ko, loading, and unloading it.
  • 3
    Device Drivers
    Creating /dev entries and handling file operations.
  • 4
    Kernel Memory
    Allocating memory inside the kernel safely.
  • 5
    Concurrency
    Preventing race conditions in a preemptive kernel.

Estimated completion time: 21 lessons • Self-paced learning • Lifetime access

Career Outlook

Estimated Salary
$140k - $200k

Career Paths

Kernel Engineer $150k-$220k
Embedded Linux Dev $130k-$170k
Systems Architect $140k-$190k

What You Will Learn

Write and insert Loadable Kernel Modules (LKMs)
Develop Character Device Drivers to interact with user space
Manage kernel memory safely using kmalloc and slab allocators
Handle concurrency in the kernel using Spinlocks and Mutexes
Debug kernel panics and oops messages effectively

Skills You Will Gain

C Programming Kernel Internals Device Drivers Debugging Concurrency

Who Is This For

Systems Programmers
Embedded Engs
OS Enthusiasts

Prerequisites

Strong C
OS Concepts

Linux Kernel Development FAQs

Hard?

Yes, a bug here crashes the whole machine.

Testing?

We use QEMU VMs to prevent crashing your PC.

C only?

Yes, Linux is C (with some Assembly/Rust).

Contribution?

Teaches skills needed to contribute upstream.

Need more info?
All Reork courses are 100% free, self-paced, and fully accessible on mobile devices. No prior experience is required. Read our full Platform FAQ.

Tech Stack & Tools

Linux Source
GCC
QEMU
GDB
Make

Recommended Next Steps

Network Programming (C++)

system Advanced

Build high-performance network applications. Master Socket programming, TCP/UDP internals, and Asynchronous I/O using C++.

Compiler Construction

system Advanced

Build your own programming language. Master Lexing, Parsing, ASTs, and Code Generation using LLVM to understand how code runs.

Reverse Engineering

system Advanced

Deconstruct compiled software. Master Assembly language, decompilation using Ghidra, and binary patching to understand how closed-source code works.

Your Learning Path

Master This Topic, Step by Step

Go from your first step to master level. Three simple steps, all about Linux Kernel Development.

Currently studying: Linux Kernel Development
Step 1 · First Step

Linux Kernel Development Basics

Every expert started at zero. This is the easy way to begin Linux Kernel Development.

5 min Free to explore
Linux Kernel Development for Beginners
Start with the basics — just 5 easy minutes
Step 2 · Next Level

Advanced Linux Kernel Development

Know the basics? Good. Now learn the parts of Linux Kernel Development most people never reach.

5 min Free to explore
Advanced Linux Kernel Development Course
Move up to the advanced level — 5 min
Step 3 · The Shortcut

Master Linux Kernel Development with AI

This is the shortcut: Sourcegraph Cody helps you search and understand massive codebases — and master Linux Kernel Development faster.

5 min Free to explore
AI Code Intelligence
Take the shortcut — let AI do the heavy lifting
Start with Step 1. Each step builds on the one before it.
Start Learning