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Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project

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Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project

This course is part of Advanced Embedded Linux Development Specialization

Instructor: Daniel Walkes

11,167 already enrolled

Included with Learn more

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

29 reviews

Advanced level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

4 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

4 modules

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals.

29 reviews

Advanced level

Recommended experience

Flexible schedule

4 weeks at 10 hours a week

Learn at your own pace

What you'll learn

Fundamentals of Linux kernel development.
How to build a custom Linux kernel driver and deploy on an Embedded Device.
How to use the Yocto project to build Embedded Device images

Skills you'll gain

Tools you'll learn

Details to know

Shareable certificate

Add to your LinkedIn profile

Assessments

6 assignments

Taught in English

Build toward a degree

Learn more

Build your subject-matter expertise

This course is part of the Advanced Embedded Linux Development Specialization

When you enroll in this course, you'll also be enrolled in this Specialization.

Learn new concepts from industry experts
Gain a foundational understanding of a subject or tool
Develop job-relevant skills with hands-on projects
Earn a shareable career certificate

There are 4 modules in this course

This course provides an introduction to Kernel Driver development for the Linux operating system. The Yocto build system is introduced, which students use to build their own custom Embedded Linux system through programming assignments. This course builds on the assignments and knowledge obtained in the Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot, which must be completed before starting this course.

In this module, you will learn the basics of Linux Device Drivers, including how to build and run a Linux Device Driver. You will modify the socket application you developed in the previous course and add threading. You will also be introduced to the Yocto Project and build a custom Yocto image which includes your custom socket application developed in the previous course.

What's included

11 videos5 readings2 assignments1 peer review

11 videosTotal 132 minutes

Introduction to Device Drivers10 minutes
Device Drivers Overview12 minutes
Introduction to Kernel Modules15 minutes
Building and Loading Kernel Modules12 minutes
Kernel Module Design Basics13 minutes
Introduction to Yocto14 minutes
Building a Yocto Image19 minutes
Yocto/Buildroot Comparison8 minutes
Assignment 6 Part 1: Threading and Linked Lists11 minutes
Assignment 6 Part 1: Socket Server Threading Demo9 minutes
Assignment 6 Part 2: Yocto Environment Bringup Demo 9 minutes

5 readingsTotal 41 minutes

Course Updates and Accessibility Support1 minute
Non-Credit Students: Welcome and Where to Find Help10 minutes
Hardware & Software Requirements10 minutes
Assignment 6 Part 1 Instructions10 minutes
Assignment 6 Part 2 Instructions10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 20 minutes

Intro to Device Drivers10 minutes
Building and Running Kernel Modules10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 360 minutes

Assignment 6 Peer Review 360 minutes

In this module, you will learn about the different types of Linux Kernel drivers and the kernel support for character device drivers. You will learn about fundamental driver data structures and functions for interacting with user space. You will understand the basics of Kernel debugging and how this differs from application debugging. You will implement a unit-tested circular buffer which will be used in future assignments. Finally, you will build a Yocto embedded device image with support for an out of tree kernel module.

What's included

7 videos2 readings2 assignments1 peer review

7 videosTotal 80 minutes

Connecting to Userspace15 minutes
Device Driver File Operations17 minutes
Device Driver and Userspace Continued8 minutes
Circular Buffer Implementation11 minutes
Assignment 7 Part 1 Demo: Circular Buffer Assignment Overview and emo2 minutes
Kernel Debugging16 minutes
Assignment 7 Part 2 Demo: Yocto and Buildroot Kernel Driver Builds10 minutes

2 readingsTotal 20 minutes

Assignment 7 Part 1 Instructions10 minutes
Assignment 7 Part 2 Instructions10 minutes

2 assignmentsTotal 20 minutes

Character Device Drivers10 minutes
Kernel Debugging Techniques10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 360 minutes

Assignment 7 Peer Review360 minutes

In this module, you will learn the basics of concurrency in the Linux kernel, and how to use semaphore and mutex in your device driver to design for concurrent access. You will learn the difference between atomic and non atomic context and strategies for locking in each context. You will modify your socket application to interact with a custom character device based on your tested circular buffer implementation using the concurrency concepts discussed in the module.

What's included

8 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review

8 videosTotal 99 minutes

Concurrency and Race Conditions10 minutes
Kernel Critical Sections15 minutes
Additional Kernel Locking Options12 minutes
More Fun with Locking15 minutes
Assignment 8 Overview26 minutes
Additional Kernel Debug8 minutes
Assignment 8 FAQ12 minutes
Assignment 8 Demo: Char Driver and Multithreading Concepts2 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Assignment 8 Instructions10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Concurrency10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 600 minutes

Assignment 8 Peer Review600 minutes

In this module, you will learn the purpose and use of the ioctl command for Linux drivers and how the ioctl command is implemented in a driver. You will learn the basics of sleeping and waking up in the Linux kernel and how to handle blocking and non-blocking IO. You will modify your custom Linux kernel driver and Linux application to include ioctl support.

What's included

6 videos1 reading1 assignment1 peer review

6 videosTotal 71 minutes

ioctl15 minutes
Sleeping in the Kernel10 minutes
Kernel Sleep Continued13 minutes
Poll and Select10 minutes
Assignment 9 Overview16 minutes
Assignment 9 Demo: Advanced Char Driver Operations7 minutes

1 readingTotal 10 minutes

Assignment 9 Instructions10 minutes

1 assignmentTotal 10 minutes

Advanced Char Driver Operations10 minutes

1 peer reviewTotal 600 minutes

Assignment 9: Advanced Char Driver Operations600 minutes

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Build toward a degree

This course is part of the following degree program(s) offered by University of Colorado Boulder. If you are admitted and enroll, your completed coursework may count toward your degree learning and your progress can transfer with you.¹

Instructor

Instructor ratings

(12 ratings)

Daniel Walkes

University of Colorado Boulder

3 Courses32,520 learners

Offered by

University of Colorado Boulder

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Showing 3 of 29

5.0

Reviewed on Aug 25, 2026

Fun and challenging (significantly so compared to other courses). A reasonable step up in difficulty compared to the first course in the specialization.

5.0

Reviewed on Aug 7, 2026

This program trains the people to become embedded development professionals.

5.0

Reviewed on Apr 12, 2023

The course is not easy, but it worth invested time. IMO, the main advantage is the experience gained.

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Frequently asked questions

System Requirements

You must have access to a computer configured with the following specifications to complete this specialization:

Operating System:

Ubuntu 22.04 (64-bit) is required, but Ubuntu 20.04 (64-bit) may also be used. Other versions of Ubuntu, or other distributions, are not officially supported and may not work properly with assignment instructions.

The build system host must use an x86_64 (amd64) architecture. ARM-based systems are not supported.

Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL) is not supported for ECEA 5306: Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project, which includes Linux kernel development and Yocto projects. If you plan to continue to this course, please prepare a dedicated build host or virtual machine.

Memory (RAM):

At least 8 GB RAM is recommended. You may be able to complete assignments with less, but 4 GB or less may cause build failures.

Disk Space:

At least 200 GB of free disk space is recommended.

Hardware Requirements

While hardware is not required to complete ECEA 5305: Linux Systems Programming and Introduction to Buildroot or ECEA 5306: Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project, the final course in this specialization, ECEA 5307: Linux Embedded System Topics and Projects, will require students to use embedded hardware of their choosing for the final project.

To access course materials, assignments, and earn a Certificate, you'll need to purchase the Certificate experience when you enroll in a course. Eligible learners may also have the option to start with a Free Trial. Some courses may also offer a Full Course, No Certificate option. This lets you access course materials, submit required assessments, and receive a final grade, but you won't be able to earn or purchase a Certificate.

When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile.