Instructions/scripts on how to make linux kernel from scratch Ref: https://phoenixnap.com/kb/build-linux-kernel
- A system running Linux
- Access to the terminal/command line
- A user account with sudo/root privileges
- 12GB of available space on the hard drive
- Visit the official kernel website and download the latest kernel version. The downloaded file contains a compressed source code.
Downloading the latest Linux kernel.
- Open the terminal and use the wget command to download the Linux kernel source code:
wget https://cdn.kernel.org/pub/linux/kernel/v6.x/linux-6.0.7.tar.xz
The output shows the “saved” message when the download completes.
Using the wget command to download the source code.
When the file is ready, run the tar command to extract the source code:
tar xvf linux-6.0.7.tar.xz
The output displays the extracted kernel source code:
Install additional packages before building a kernel. To do so, run this command:
sudo apt-get install git fakeroot build-essential ncurses-dev xz-utils libssl-dev bc flex libelf-dev bison
The command we used above installs the following packages:
| 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 the 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. |
The Linux kernel source code comes with the default configuration. However, you can adjust it to your needs. To do so, follow the steps below:
- Navigate to the linux-6.0.7 directory using the cd command:
cd linux-6.0.7
- Copy the existing configuration file using the cp command:
cp -v /boot/config-$(uname -r) .config
Navigating to the kernel folder and copying configuration file.
- To make changes to the configuration file, run the make command:
make menuconfig
The command launches several scripts that open the configuration menu:
Loading the configuration menu.
- The configuration menu includes options such as firmware, file system, network, and memory settings. Use the arrows to make a selection or choose Help to learn more about the options. When you finish making the changes, select Save, and then exit the menu.
Changing the settings in the navigation menu.
Note: Changing settings for some options can lead to a non-functional kernel. If you are unsure what to change, leave the default settings.
- Start building the kernel by running the following command:
make
The process of building and compiling the Linux kernel takes some time to complete.
The terminal lists all Linux kernel components: memory management, hardware device drivers, filesystem drivers, network drivers, and process management.
Building a Linux kernel with the make command.
If you are compiling the kernel on Ubuntu, you may receive the following error that interrupts the building process:
No rule to make target 'debian/canonical-certs.pem
Disable the conflicting security certificates by executing the two commands below:
scripts/config --disable SYSTEM_TRUSTED_KEYS
scripts/config --disable SYSTEM_REVOCATION_KEYS
The commands return no output. Start the building process again with make, and press Enter repeatedly to confirm the default options for the generation of new certificates.
- Install the required modules with this command:
sudo make modules_install
Installing kernel modules.
- Finally, install the kernel by typing:
sudo make install
The output shows done when finished:
Installing the kernel.
The GRUB bootloader is the first program that runs when the system powers on.
The make install command performs this process automatically, but you can also do it manually.
- Update the initramfs to the installed kernel version:
sudo update-initramfs -c -k 6.0.7
- Update the GRUB bootloader with this command:
sudo update-grub
The terminal prints out the process and confirmation message:
Updating the grub.
** Step 7: Reboot and Verify Kernel Version** When you complete the steps above, reboot the machine.
When the system boots up, verify the kernel version using the uname command:
uname -mrs
The terminal prints out the current Linux kernel version.
Verify the current Linux Kernel version.
In this step-by-step guide, you learned how to build a Linux kernel from scratch and install the required packages.
If you follow the instructions carefully, the process will complete successfully on your Linux machine.
The Linux kernel has a modular design. Functionality is extendible with modules or drivers. Learn how to use the modprobe command to add or remove modules on Linux.