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L1.7 — Quick guide: Reading Kernel source code

Date: 2025-10-04

Author: Community Contributor (placeholder)

Estimated time

20–40 minutes

Objectives

Show where to find kernel source files relevant to subsystems.
Explain how to follow call chains using cscope/ctags or an IDE.
Provide quick tips for reading kernel code effectively.

Overview

Reading kernel source code can be daunting. This short guide points to tools and strategies to make it manageable.

Tips

Build ctags and use an editor that supports jump-to-definition.
Start in high-level directories like kernel/, mm/, or drivers/ depending on your interest.
Follow the call chain: find the top-level API, then search its implementations.

Exercises

Pick a simple system call and trace its implementation from syscall table to handler.
Use ctags to jump between a function declaration and its usage.

Contributor notes

This is a starter placeholder—replace with expanded content or examples when ready.