Cloud & Networking
Reader small image

You're reading from  Linux Kernel Programming - Second Edition

Product typeBook
Published inFeb 2024
PublisherPackt
ISBN-139781803232225
Edition2nd Edition
Tools
Linux
Concepts
System Administration
Right arrow
Author (1)
Kaiwan N. Billimoria
Kaiwan N. Billimoria
author image
Kaiwan N. Billimoria

Kaiwan N. Billimoria taught himself BASIC programming on his dad's IBM PC back in 1983. He was programming in C and Assembly on DOS until he discovered the joys of Unix, and by around 1997, Linux! Kaiwan has worked on many aspects of the Linux system programming stack, including Bash scripting, system programming in C, kernel internals, device drivers, and embedded Linux work. He has actively worked on several commercial/FOSS projects. His contributions include drivers to the mainline Linux OS and many smaller projects hosted on GitHub. His Linux passion feeds well into his passion for teaching these topics to engineers, which he has done for well over two decades now. He's also the author of Hands-On System Programming with Linux, Linux Kernel Programming (and its Part 2 book) and Linux Kernel Debugging. It doesn't hurt that he is a recreational ultrarunner too.
Read more about Kaiwan N. Billimoria

Right arrow

Understanding the initramfs framework

A bit of a mystery remains! What exactly is this initramfs (initial RAM filesystem) or initrd (initial RAM disk) image for? Why is it there?

Firstly, using this feature is a choice – the kernel config directive is called CONFIG_BLK_DEV_INITRD. It’s set to y and hence on by default. In brief, for systems that do not know in advance certain things such as the boot disk host adapter or controller type (SCSI, RAID, and so on), the exact filesystem type that the root filesystem is formatted as (is it ext2, ext4, btrfs, f2fs, or something else?), or for those systems where these functionalities are always built as kernel modules, we require the initramfs capability. Exactly why will become clear in a moment. Also, as mentioned earlier, initrd is now considered an older term. Nowadays, we more often use the term initramfs in its place.

But what exactly is the difference between the older initrd and newer initramfs? The key difference...

lock icon
The rest of the page is locked
Previous Page
Chapter 4 of 16, Page 6
Next Page
You have been reading a chapter from
Linux Kernel Programming - Second Edition
Published in: Feb 2024Publisher: PacktISBN-13: 9781803232225
© 2024 Packt Publishing Limited All Rights Reserved

Author (1)

author image
Kaiwan N. Billimoria

Kaiwan N. Billimoria taught himself BASIC programming on his dad's IBM PC back in 1983. He was programming in C and Assembly on DOS until he discovered the joys of Unix, and by around 1997, Linux! Kaiwan has worked on many aspects of the Linux system programming stack, including Bash scripting, system programming in C, kernel internals, device drivers, and embedded Linux work. He has actively worked on several commercial/FOSS projects. His contributions include drivers to the mainline Linux OS and many smaller projects hosted on GitHub. His Linux passion feeds well into his passion for teaching these topics to engineers, which he has done for well over two decades now. He's also the author of Hands-On System Programming with Linux, Linux Kernel Programming (and its Part 2 book) and Linux Kernel Debugging. It doesn't hurt that he is a recreational ultrarunner too.
Read more about Kaiwan N. Billimoria

Personalised recommendations for you

Based on your interests and search pattern

Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions

Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions

Designing and Implementing Microsoft Azure Networking Solutions Exam Ref AZ-700 is an all-encompassing guide to the AZ-700 exam and contains all the information you need to succeed in the world of virtual networking with Azure. With this book, you will be fully prepared for the exam and the world of cloud networking.

BookAug 2023524 pages
Microsoft 365 Security, Compliance, and Identity Administration

Microsoft 365 Security, Compliance, and Identity Administration

The Microsoft 365 Security, Compliance, and Identity Administration is a comprehensive guide that helps you employ Microsoft 365's robust suite of features and empowers you to optimize your administrative tasks.

BookAug 2023630 pages
Zero Trust Overview and Playbook Introduction

Zero Trust Overview and Playbook Introduction

Get started on Zero Trust with this step-by-step playbook and learn everything you need to know for a successful Zero Trust journey with tailored guidance for every role, covering strategy, operations, architecture, implementation, and measuring success. This book will become an indispensable reference for everyone in your organization.

BookOct 2023240 pages
The Self-Taught Cloud Computing Engineer

The Self-Taught Cloud Computing Engineer

This self-study book helps you master multiple clouds, including AWS, Azure, and GCP, and serves as a roadmap to becoming a certified cloud computing expert. The book will guide you to develop a professional cloud career by helping you build a broad cloud knowledge base, developing hands-on cloud computing skills, and getting cloud certified.

BookSep 2023472 pages
Technology Operating Models for Cloud and Edge

Technology Operating Models for Cloud and Edge

This book will help you build and create ownership of a technology operating model, as well as connect your leadership with engineering and operations, keeping your internal and external customers in mind. It provides practical tips on why, where, and how to make the cloud and edge platform paradigm sing for you, your team, and your organization.

BookAug 2023228 pages
Azure Architecture Explained

Azure Architecture Explained

Azure is the preferred platform to build mission-critical and secure apps. This book provides comprehensive coverage of essential Azure products, services, and solutions vital for every solution architect's success. Elevate your knowledge and master the critical components of Azure to excel in your role with Azure Architecture Explained.

BookSep 2023446 pages
Pentesting Active Directory and Windows-based Infrastructure

Pentesting Active Directory and Windows-based Infrastructure

This practical guide helps you explore the pentesting of Microsoft infrastructure in detail, and enhances your offensive skillset by showing you the different ways to perform security assessment. This book will help blue teamers and IT engineers get up to speed with possible security issues they may encounter in their Windows environments.

BookNov 2023360 pages
Practical Ansible

Practical Ansible

In Practical Ansible, you'll work with the latest release of Ansible and learn to solve complex issues quickly with the help of task-oriented scenarios. You'll start by installing and configuring Ansible to automate monotonous and repetitive IT tasks and get to grips with concepts such as playbooks, inventories, plugins, collections, and network modules.

BookSep 2023420 pages
Windows 11 for Enterprise Administrators

Windows 11 for Enterprise Administrators

Microsoft’s launch of Windows 11 is a step toward satisfying the enterprise administrator’s needs for better management and enhanced user experience customization. This book provides the enterprise administrator with the knowledge needed to fully utilize the advanced feature set of Windows 11 Enterprise.

BookOct 2023286 pages
The Linux DevOps Handbook

The Linux DevOps Handbook

This book is for software and IT professionals seeking knowledge on Linux systems and DevOps practices. This book will provide you with guidance and tools to learn and gain proficiency in managing Linux-based infrastructures and knowledge of DevOps.

BookNov 2023428 pages2