Compile And Install Kernel

There are already many documents to teach one how to compile and install the kernel. Here are just some key notes. Use make help under the source directory for details.

0. Kernel configure

It is helpful to have a kernel git repo. Use git tag to see the kernel versions and use git checkout <tag> to checkout the specified version, such as:

git checkout v3.7-rc6

It is recommended to use the distribution’s kernel configuration file as a basic configuration when you compile the kernel for the first time. Copy it from /boot to <build_dir>/.config. Use this command to modify it:

make O=<build_dir> menuconfig

It will save the new configuration and rename the old configuration with .config.old.

1. Kernel image

Kernel image is the most important part. Use this command to compile the kernel in <build_dir>:

make O=<build_dir> -j4

After that, copy vmlinux and System.map to /boot. Then configure the boot loader. Or use the command installkernel if you have it.

2. Kernel modules

Some code is compiled to kernel modules. It needs to be installed to the system. Use this command to install kernel modules and firmwares:

make O=<build_dir> modules_install

It installs kernel modules under /usr/lib/modules/<kernel_version>. You can also specify the output directory using INSTALL_MOD_PATH:

make O=<build_dir> INSTALL_MOD_PATH=<module_dir> modules_install

The INSTALL_MOD_PATH is / by default.

3. Linux headers

Linux headers are header files invoked by user space programs. Use this command to output them:

make O=<build_dir> INSTALL_HDR_PATH=<headers_dir> headers_install

It installs headers to <headers_dir>. You should copy them into /usr/include.

Another way

After all, you may want to make a kernel package to install on other machines. Such as:

make O=<build_dir> -j4 binrpm-pkg