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Linux inside

Free

A little bit about a linux kernel

FreeFree tier
Type
Open Source
Visit Website GitHub (40 stars)

About Linux inside

Linux insides is an open-source, work-in-progress book that provides an in-depth exploration of the Linux kernel's internal architecture and low-level operating system concepts. Authored by 0xAX, the project aims to share knowledge about how the kernel works, covering topics such as booting, initialization, interrupts, system calls, memory management, synchronization primitives, cgroups, and more. The content is written for developers with prior knowledge of Assembly and C programming, and it is regularly updated to reflect modern kernel versions (currently targeting v7.1.0 with reviews pending for v6.18.0). The repository includes chapters on data structures, x86 fundamentals, toolchain, and contributing to the kernel. It also offers translations into multiple languages, a mailing list for learners, and community contribution guidelines.

Key Features

Comprehensive coverage of Linux kernel internals from booting to system calls
Chapters on initialization, interrupts, timers, memory management, cgroups, and synchronization
Updated for kernel v7.1.0 with ongoing revisions for v6.18.0+
Assumes prerequisite knowledge of Assembly and C programming
Available in multiple languages via community translations
Includes a dedicated mailing list for kernel learning discussions
Licensed under Creative Commons BY-NC-SA
Open-source with contribution guidelines and code of conduct

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Free and open-source with permissive Creative Commons license
  • Detailed, step-by-step explanations of complex kernel subsystems
  • Regularly updated to track modern kernel versions
  • Active community with translations and a mailing list for support
  • Covers both fundamental and advanced topics in a structured manner
Cons
  • Work in progress; some chapters are not yet fully updated for the latest kernel version (v6.18.0+)
  • Requires solid understanding of Assembly and C, which may be a barrier for beginners
  • Content is primarily textual with limited interactive exercises or code labs

Best For

Learning about Linux kernel internals and low-level operating system conceptsPreparing for kernel development or contributing to the Linux kernelUnderstanding boot processes, interrupt handling, and memory managementStudying synchronization primitives and cgroups in the Linux kernelTeaching or researching operating system design with a hands-on resource

FAQ

What is Linux insides?
It is an open-source book-in-progress that explains the Linux kernel's internal workings, covering topics from booting to system calls and memory management.
Who is the author?
The project is created and maintained by 0xAX (Twitter @0xAX).
Is the book complete?
No, it is a work in progress. The booting section is updated for kernel v7.1.0, while other chapters are pending review for v6.18.0.
What are the prerequisites?
You should have prior knowledge of Assembly language and proficiency in C programming.
How can I contribute?
Read the CONTRIBUTING.md file and follow the code of conduct. You can also join the mailing list or ping the author on Twitter.
Are there translations available?
Yes, volunteers have translated the content into Brazilian Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish, though translations may diverge from the original.
What license is used?
The project is licensed under the Creative Commons BY-NC-SA license.