Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie

Writing a bootable kernel

Options
  • 27-11-2009 5:46pm
    #1
    wolfric
    Registered Users Posts: 1,190 ✭✭✭


    Just wondering has anyone had any experience of writing their own bootable kernel. I know there are free versions out there (such as Linux kernel) but i really want to write my own for the experience. All i want to do for the moment is write something that can boot up and do something simple without relying on any system or infrastructure already built.

    I figured if anyone has any comments such as do i really understand what i'm doing) or how hard, lengthy it might be i'd love the feedback. Even better if you've some experience.

    Here are some links that i haven't quite got around to devouring due to course work.
    http://www.osdever.net/bkerndev/index.php?the_id=90
    http://www.osdever.net/tutorials/bas....php?the_id=12
    http://www.scribd.com/doc/2187324/Writing-a-Kernel-in-C


Comments

  • Options
    #2
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    MikeOS is a good start:mikeos.berlios.de


  • Options
    #3
    wolfric
    Registered Users Posts: 1,190 ✭✭✭wolfric


    Cheers man that's actually really useful.


  • Options
    #4
    ronivek
    Registered Users Posts: 1,916 ✭✭✭ronivek


    Xen comes with a Mini-OS which you can run in an environment conducive to development and testing. Whilst not strictly the same kind of OS you'd implement over plain hardware it's close enough to be interesting and somewhat useful.

    If you're not aware; Xen is a virtualization solution which allows you to run a virtual OS on top of some existing OS. In the case of the Xen Mini-OS I'd recommend downloading and booting from a VMKnoppix Live CD and playing around with Mini-OS in that environment; preferably with your Mini-OS implementation on a network mount or USB key or similar.

    You can get Xen here, and VMKnoppix here.


  • Options
    #5
    Webmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 9,579 ✭✭✭Webmonkey


    I've always dreamt of doing this when I was younger :( - Then work and other things got in the way. Links look interesting.

    Best luck with it.


  • Options
    #6
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    wolfric wrote: »
    Cheers man that's actually really useful.

    No probs dude, just don't get lost in the project for too much
    time with all the fecking DIT assignments coming up:(


  • Advertisement
  • Options
    #7
    Naikon
    Closed Accounts Posts: 4,564 ✭✭✭Naikon


    Webmonkey wrote: »
    I've always dreamt of doing this when I was younger :( - Then work and other things got in the way. Links look interesting.

    Best luck with it.

    And UML specifications:(


  • Options
    #8
    Idgeitman
    Closed Accounts Posts: 307 ✭✭Idgeitman


    When I started I spent a little time looking into this, But after a while (although a good learning experience) you begin to realize why exactly you need all of the elements of a kernel and how long they really take to make.


    But, not to put you off, because it is a great learning experience, take a look at "Operating System Concepts", (http://www.os-book.com/) It's not from a actual code writing perspective but it gives one of the best guides as to how exactly everything slots together for you.

    Remeber, the boot loader is a whole kettle of fish in itself! you may not want to attack that one just yet.
    http://wiki.osdev.org/Main_Page is a great help on getting started.
    And also, look at the linux source, even for the ground work its a nice start to see how the pros did it.
    ~ Idgeitman


Advertisement