Kernel hacking can be daunting to open source beginners. The aim of the session is to shatter this myth and help coders get started with contributing to the Linux kernel. Having interned with Linux kernel previously and >50 of her patches merged into the kernel, she has an understanding of the nitty-gritty in this area. The session will cover A-Z steps from setting up the development environment to creating a sample patch using version control, to sending the patch to the concerned maintainers. It will emphasize good patch practices and common coding convention mistakes that get valuable patches rejected. She will mention examples of areas in Linux subsystems that can be patched as starters using existing tools. Eg. checkpatch.pl script can be used to detect bugs in coding styles/resolving TODO's. The delight of getting your first patch merged can match none other!
I am a former Linux kernel intern via the Outreachy program and a current student at Stony Brook University. Please refer to saylikarnik.wordpress.com for details about my projects.
