Advanced Linux Kernel Debugging
This course builds a systematic approach to diagnosing kernel issues, starting with principles such as failing early and progressing to practical, in-depth use of core Linux kernel debugging tools. Learners gain hands-on experience with ftrace for tracing, eBPF for low-overhead dynamic analysis, and perf for statistical profiling.
Description
This course covers a wide array of techniques and tools for diagnosing complex issues within the Linux kernel. It introduces fundamental concepts like Failing Early (e.g., stack/memory/lock debugging and KFENCE) and the methods of Tracing, Profiling, and Stop-the-World analysis. The core of the training is dedicated to mastering the major kernel debugging utilities: Ftrace (for function and graph tracing, kprobe events, and tracepoints), eBPF (for low-overhead, in-kernel analysis, covering its ISA, verifier, and maps), and perf (for statistical profiling using CPU timers, PMUs, and software events, and generating reports/annotations). Each of these powerful tools is presented through a mixture of mechanism details and practical debugging stories to illustrate their real-world application.
Attributes
| Level: | Advanced |
|---|---|
| Class type: | General |
| Time commitment: | 12h |
Topics Covered
- Kernel debugging tools: Focus on Ftrace, eBPF, and perf for tracing and performance analysis.
- Memory debugging techniques: KASAN, KHWASAN, and KFENCE for detecting memory errors.
- Understanding kernel internals: Exploration of tracing methodologies, eBPF ISA, and PMU.
- Handling kernel issues: Strategies for debugging and solving common kernel-level problems.
- Advanced tracing concepts: Function tracing, graph tracing, and static/dynamic tracepoints.
Learning Outcomes
- Proficient use of kernel debugging tools: Practical skills in Ftrace, eBPF, and perf.
- Ability to diagnose and fix kernel issues: Competence in identifying and resolving kernel problems.
- Deep understanding of kernel operations: Insight into how the Linux kernel functions internally.
- Effective performance analysis and optimization: Skills to find bottlenecks and improve performance.
- Techniques for advanced memory debugging: Knowledge to detect and prevent memory-related bugs.