Packt

Linux Kernel Internals: Processes, Memory, and Scheduling

Packt

Linux Kernel Internals: Processes, Memory, and Scheduling

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Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace
Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.
Intermediate level

Recommended experience

1 week to complete
at 10 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

  • Analyze Linux kernel process management, memory handling, and CPU scheduling workflows

  • Implement and evaluate kernel synchronization mechanisms in Linux environments

  • Examine virtual memory structures and optimize kernel resource management techniques

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Recently updated!

July 2026

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

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This course is part of the Linux Kernel Programming Specialization
When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.
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There are 6 modules in this course

This module introduces the fundamentals of Linux kernel process and thread management, focusing on virtual address space organization, task structures, and stack analysis. Learners will explore how processes and threads are represented and managed within the kernel, and gain hands-on experience with kernel modules for inspecting task lists and stack information.

What's included

1 video14 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the fundamentals of Linux memory management, including virtual and physical address spaces, address translation, and kernel versus user memory layouts. Learners will gain practical skills in interpreting process memory maps, understanding key kernel data structures, and exploring security features like KASLR. The module also covers tools and techniques for examining memory organization on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

What's included

1 video21 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the fundamentals of kernel memory allocation for module authors, focusing on the Page Allocator and Slab Allocator mechanisms in the Linux kernel. Learners will explore allocation strategies, relevant APIs, and best practices for efficient and safe memory management in kernel modules. Practical demonstrations and troubleshooting tips are included to reinforce key concepts.

What's included

1 video21 readings1 assignment

This module delves into advanced kernel memory allocation techniques, including the use of custom slab caches, the vmalloc() API, and memory management features like the OOM killer and VM overcommit policies. Learners will explore practical tools and strategies for efficient memory allocation, monitoring, and troubleshooting within the Linux kernel environment. The module also introduces recent kernel features such as DAMON and multi-generational LRU lists.

What's included

1 video20 readings1 assignment

This module introduces the fundamentals of Linux CPU scheduling, exploring POSIX scheduling policies, multicore task management, and the internal mechanisms of the scheduler. Learners will gain hands-on experience with command-line tools for analyzing scheduling behavior and visualizing task flow. Key concepts such as preemption, scheduling classes, and kernel data structures are also covered to deepen understanding of how modern schedulers operate.

What's included

1 video16 readings1 assignment

This module delves into advanced Linux CPU scheduling concepts, including CPU affinity, scheduling policies, and the use of cgroups for resource management. Learners will gain hands-on experience with system calls, utilities, and systemd to optimize process performance and resource allocation. The module also introduces real-time Linux considerations and practical techniques for configuring CPU constraints.

What's included

1 video15 readings1 assignment

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