Importance and Benefits of Customizing Your Kernel
All Linux distributions How to Build Your Own Linux Kernel from Scratch? The kernel is in charge of resource allocation and communication between hardware and software.
The foundation of any Linux distribution is a preset kernel. You must, however, create your own Linux kernel if you wish to try out experimental patches or disable specific settings and drivers.
You will discover how to create and construct a Linux kernel from scratch in this step-by-step manual from our Blog:
- A Linux-running computer
- Access to the command line/terminal
- A user account with root and sudo rights
- There is 12GB of free space on the hard drive.
Understanding the Process of Creating the Linux Kernel: Key Considerations
Seven simple stages can be followed to develop a Linux kernel. Nevertheless, depending on the system speed, the process could take a long time to finish.
How to Build Your Own Linux Kernel from Scratch?
To create the most recent Linux kernel, adhere to the steps below.
Step 1: Download the Source Code: Commands and Tools
1: Download the most recent kernel version from the official kernel page. A compressed source code is present in the downloaded file.
2: To get the Linux kernel source code, launch a terminal and type wget:
wget Linux-6.0.7.tar.xz from https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x
When the download is finished, the “saved” message appears in the output.
Step 2: Extract the Source Code: Tools Needed for Extraction
Run the tar command to extract the source code once the file is prepared:
Linux-6.0.7.tar.xz, tar xvf
The retrieved kernel source code is displayed in the output.
Related Article: Fix VirtualBox Kernel Module Not Loaded
Step 3: Install the Required Packages: Installation Commands
Before creating a kernel, add more packages. Run this command to accomplish that:
install git fakeroot build-essential ncurses with sudo apt-getlibssl-dev, bison, bc flex, libelf-dev, and xz-utils
The following packages are installed by the command we previously used:
| Package | Package description |
| git | Tracks and makes a record of all changes during development in the source code. It also allows reverting the changes. |
| fakeroot | Creates the fake root environment. |
| build-essential | Installs development tools such as C, C++, GCC, and g++. |
| ncurses-dev | Provides API for text-based terminals. |
| xz-utils | Provides fast file compression and decompression. |
| libssl-dev | Supports SSL and TSL that encrypt data and make the internet connection secure. |
| bc (Basic Calculator) | Supports the interactive execution of statements. |
| flex (Fast Lexical Analyzer Generator) | Generates lexical analyzers that convert characters into tokens. |
| libelf-dev | Issues a shared library for managing ELF files (executable files, core dumps, and object code) |
| bison | Converts grammar description to a C program. |
Step 4: Kernel Configuration: Configuring Kernel Options
The default settings are included in the Linux kernel source code. But you can change it to suit your requirements. Follow these steps to do that:
1: Use the cd command to find the Linux-6.0.7 directory:
enter linux-6.0.7
2: Employing the cp command, duplicate the current configuration file:
cp -v $(uname -r)/boot/config-$.config
3: Use the make command to modify the configuration file:
menu configuration
How to Build Linux Kernel from Scratch? Several scripts are launched by the command, each of which opens the configuration menu.
4: Options for firmware, file systems, networks, and RAM settings are available in the configuration menu. To choose, use the arrows, or select Help to learn more about the choices. When you’re done, click Save to save your changes before leaving the menu.
Step 5: Build the Kernel: Compilation Process Explained
1: Execute the following command to begin the kernel build:
make
The creation and compilation of the Linux kernel is a lengthy operation.
All Linux kernel subsystems are listed in the terminal, including memory management, network drivers, filesystem drivers, and hardware device drivers.
The following error may appear while creating the kernel on Ubuntu, preventing further progress:
There isn't a rule to make the target "Debian/canonical-certs.pem"
Use the two commands listed below to disable the conflicting security certificates:
config/scripts —disable SYSTEM TRUSTED KEYSconfig/scripts —disable SYSTEM REVOCATION KEYS
There is no output from the commands. Press Enter repeatedly to accept the default settings for the creation of new certificates when you restart the building process with make.
2: Use this command to install the necessary modules:
make modules install with sudo
3: Finally, type: to install the kernel.
install with sudo
How to Build Linux Kernel from Scratch? The end product displays.
Step 6: Update the Bootloader (Optional): When and Why to Update the Bootloader
The first application that launches when the machine boots up are the GRUB bootloader.
This procedure is carried out automatically by the make install command, but it can also be done manually.
1: Initramfs should be updated to the installed kernel version:
update-initramfs -c -k 6.0.7 with sudo
2: Use this command to update the GRUB bootloader:
update-grub in sudo
The terminal prints out the confirmation and process message.
Want to learn about the Linux servers? Read our detailed article on the Difference between Linux Server vs Windows Server to see how they differ and how each one is important in its own right.
Step 7: Reboot and Verify the Kernel Version: Rebooting into the New Kernel
Restart the computer after finishing the aforementioned procedures.
Use the name command to check the kernel version after the machine has booted:
-mrs in uname
The most recent Linux kernel version is displayed in the terminal.
Conclusion: Tips for Successful Kernel Customization
Did you learn How to Build a Linux Kernel from Scratch? and install the necessary packages in this step-by-step tutorial.
Your Linux computer will successfully finish the process if you attentively follow the instructions.
The modular architecture of the Linux kernel. With modules or drivers, functionality can be expanded. Learn how to add or delete modules on Linux using the modprobe command.
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