Linux Kernel Debugging (eBook)

The Linux kernel is at the very core of arguably the world's best production-quality OS. Debugging it, though, can be a complex endeavor.
Linux Kernel Debugging is a comprehensive guide to learning all about advanced kernel debugging. This book covers many areas in-depth, such as instrumentation-based debugging techniques (printk and the dynamic debug framework), and shows you how to use Kprobes. Memory-related bugs tend to be a nightmare - two chapters are packed with tools and techniques devoted to debugging them. When the kernel gifts you an Oops, how exactly do you interpret it to be able to debug the underlying issue? We've got you covered. Concurrency tends to be an inherently complex topic, so a chapter on lock debugging will help you to learn precisely what data races are, including using KCSAN to detect them. Some thorny issues, both debug- and performance-wise, require detailed kernel-level tracing; you'll learn to wield the impressive power of Ftrace and its frontends. You'll also discover how to handle kernel lockups, hangs, and the dreaded kernel panic, as well as leverage the venerable GDB tool within the kernel (KGDB), along with much more.
By the end of this book, you will have at your disposal a wide range of powerful kernel debugging tools and techniques, along with a keen sense of when to use which.

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Effectively debug kernel modules, device drivers, and the kernel itself by gaining a solid understanding of powerful open source tools and advanced kernel debugging techniquesKey FeaturesFully understand how to use a variety of kernel and module debugging tools and techniques using examplesLearn to expertly interpret a kernel Oops and identify underlying defect(s)Use easy-to-look up tables and clear explanations of kernel-level defects to make this complex topic easyBook DescriptionThe Linux kernel is at the very core of arguably the world's best production-quality OS. Debugging it, though, can be a complex endeavor.Linux Kernel Debugging is a comprehensive guide to learning all about advanced kernel debugging. This book covers many areas in-depth, such as instrumentation-based debugging techniques (printk and the dynamic debug framework), and shows you how to use Kprobes. Memory-related bugs tend to be a nightmare - two chapters are packed with tools and techniques devoted to debugging them. When the kernel gifts you an Oops, how exactly do you interpret it to be able to debug the underlying issue? We've got you covered. Concurrency tends to be an inherently complex topic, so a chapter on lock debugging will help you to learn precisely what data races are, including using KCSAN to detect them. Some thorny issues, both debug- and performance-wise, require detailed kernel-level tracing; you'll learn to wield the impressive power of Ftrace and its frontends. You'll also discover how to handle kernel lockups, hangs, and the dreaded kernel panic, as well as leverage the venerable GDB tool within the kernel (KGDB), along with much more.By the end of this book, you will have at your disposal a wide range of powerful kernel debugging tools and techniques, along with a keen sense of when to use which.What you will learnExplore instrumentation-based printk along with the powerful dynamic debug frameworkUse static and dynamic Kprobes to trap into kernel/module functionsCatch kernel memory defects with KASAN, UBSAN, SLUB debug, and kmemleakInterpret an Oops in depth and precisely identify it's source locationUnderstand data races and use KCSAN to catch evasive concurrency defectsLeverage Ftrace and trace-cmd to trace the kernel flow in great detailWrite a custom kernel panic handler and detect kernel lockups and hangsUse KGDB to single-step and debug kernel/module source codeWho this book is forThis book is for Linux kernel developers, module/driver authors, and testers interested in debugging and enhancing their Linux systems at the level of the kernel. System administrators who want to understand and debug the internal infrastructure of their Linux kernels will also find this book useful. A good grasp on C programming and the Linux command line is necessary. Some experience with kernel (module) development will help you follow along.