linux

Kernel source tree for Raspberry Pi-provided kernel builds. Issues unrelated to the linux kernel should be posted on the community forum at https://forums.raspberrypi.com/

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This repository is a mirror of https://git.openwrt.org/openwrt/openwrt.git It is for reference only and is not active for check-ins. We will continue to accept Pull Requests here. They will be merged via staging trees then into openwrt.git.

Quick Overview

The raspberrypi/linux repository is the official Linux kernel source tree for Raspberry Pi devices. It contains the customized kernel code, drivers, and configurations specifically tailored for Raspberry Pi hardware. This repository is maintained by the Raspberry Pi Foundation and serves as the basis for the operating system that runs on millions of Raspberry Pi devices worldwide.

Pros

Optimized specifically for Raspberry Pi hardware, ensuring maximum performance and compatibility
Regularly updated with the latest kernel features and security patches
Open-source, allowing for community contributions and customizations
Includes drivers and support for Raspberry Pi-specific hardware components

Cons

Large repository size, which can be challenging for users with limited storage or bandwidth
Requires advanced knowledge of Linux kernel development for meaningful contributions
May have a steeper learning curve compared to pre-built Raspberry Pi OS images
Some features or drivers may be specific to Raspberry Pi, limiting portability to other platforms

Getting Started

To get started with the Raspberry Pi Linux kernel:

Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/raspberrypi/linux.git

Install necessary build tools:

sudo apt-get install git bc bison flex libssl-dev make

Configure the kernel for your Raspberry Pi model:
```
cd linux
KERNEL=kernel7
make bcm2709_defconfig
```
Build the kernel:
```
make -j4 zImage modules dtbs
```

Install the modules and copy the kernel and device tree blobs:

sudo make modules_install
sudo cp arch/arm/boot/dts/*.dtb /boot/
sudo cp arch/arm/boot/dts/overlays/*.dtb* /boot/overlays/
sudo cp arch/arm/boot/dts/overlays/README /boot/overlays/
sudo cp arch/arm/boot/zImage /boot/$KERNEL.img

Reboot your Raspberry Pi to use the new kernel.

Note: These instructions are simplified and may vary depending on your specific Raspberry Pi model and requirements. Always refer to the official documentation for the most up-to-date and detailed instructions.

Competitor Comparisons

openwrt

19,987

Pros of OpenWrt

Broader device support, targeting various routers and embedded devices
More customizable and modular system, allowing for easier feature addition
Larger community and more frequent updates

Cons of OpenWrt

Less optimized for Raspberry Pi hardware specifically
May require more technical knowledge to set up and configure
Potentially less stable on Raspberry Pi devices compared to the official Linux kernel

Code Comparison

OpenWrt (package/kernel/mac80211/files/lib/wifi/mac80211.sh):

append DRIVERS "mac80211"

lookup_phy() {
    [ -n "$phy" ] && {
        [ -d /sys/class/ieee80211/$phy ] && return
    }

Raspberry Pi Linux (drivers/net/wireless/broadcom/brcm80211/brcmfmac/cfg80211.c):

static struct wiphy *brcmf_cfg80211_wiphy_alloc(struct brcmf_cfg80211_info *cfg)
{
    struct wiphy *wiphy;
    struct brcmf_pub *drvr = cfg->pub;

The code snippets show different approaches to wireless networking implementation, with OpenWrt using a shell script for device detection and the Raspberry Pi Linux kernel using C for low-level driver configuration.

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README

Linux kernel

There are several guides for kernel developers and users. These guides can be rendered in a number of formats, like HTML and PDF. Please read Documentation/admin-guide/README.rst first.

In order to build the documentation, use make htmldocs or make pdfdocs. The formatted documentation can also be read online at:

https://www.kernel.org/doc/html/latest/

There are various text files in the Documentation/ subdirectory, several of them using the Restructured Text markup notation.

Please read the Documentation/process/changes.rst file, as it contains the requirements for building and running the kernel, and information about the problems which may result by upgrading your kernel.

Build status for rpi-5.15.y:

Build status for rpi-6.1.y:

Build status for rpi-6.6.y:

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