Blogs


Interrupts: The Clockwork Orchestra of the Linux Kernel

(Vinit Puranik, 29 January 2024)

Imagine your computer as a bustling marketplace. Printers churn out reports, keyboards clatter with ideas, and network cables pulse with information. To orchestrate this constant activity, a hidden conductor keeps everything in rhythm: the Interrupt Handlers. Just like a clockwork orchestra, interrupts signal hardware events – a keystroke, a network packet, a disk click – that demand the processor’s attention. In this article, we’ll lift the curtain on this fascinating mechanism, unveiling the hidden language that keeps your computer humming.


Processes, as they are in the Linux Kernel

(Vinit Puranik, 15 January 2024)

Beneath the surface of an ever-snappy Linux machine, a bustling city of invisible workers known as “processes” are tirelessly running the show. From printing documents to streaming music, each task is a dedicated citizen in this microscopic metropolis, governed by the intricate laws of the Linux kernel. In this article, we’ll shed light on this hidden world, delving into the fascinating anatomy of a process, the intricate rules of their coexistence, and the tools you can wield to become the mayor of your digital town.


CFS Scheduler in the Linux Kernel

(Vinit Puranik, 8 January 2024)

The Linux kernel is the backbone of countless devices, servers, and systems worldwide. But have you ever wondered why Linux systems feel so snappy, even with multiple applications running? The answer lies in a hidden gem called the Completely Fair Scheduler. This unsung hero works tirelessly behind the scenes, juggling tasks with surgical precision, ensuring your system feels smooth and responsive. In this article, we’ll lift the hood and examine CFS’ inner workings, uncovering its techniques for maximizing CPU utilization, prioritizing interactive tasks, and preventing resource hogs from ruining the party.


puranikvinit


SoC Engineering Intern @ARM | Systems Lead @IRIS, NITK | ECE Senior, NITK


A blog series where I talk about the various components of the Linux Kernel in detail.