4 New Kernel Books Reshaping Development in 2025

What happens when a seasoned software engineer with deep Linux kernel expertise writes a guide for developers? Greyson Chesterfield distills years of hands-on experience into this focused manual, guiding you through writing custom kernel modules, device driver creation, and performance optimization. You'll learn practical skills like using printk and kgdb for debugging, managing kernel memory, and synchronizing processes, with chapters dedicated to each critical kernel component. If you're aiming to deepen your Linux system knowledge or contribute kernel-level improvements, this book offers a clear path without unnecessary jargon. It's best suited for developers comfortable with C who want to extend their reach into kernel internals and driver development.

While working as a Linux educator, Denver Geiger noticed a persistent gap in accessible, thorough resources for newcomers to the system. This five-in-one guide walks you through everything from fundamental terminal commands to the intricacies of kernel architecture and system automation, blending theory with hands-on exercises. You’ll gain insight into securing Linux environments and managing network operations, making it a solid pick if you want a well-rounded, practical understanding. The book’s layered approach suits aspiring Linux professionals who want to build foundational skills and confidently tackle advanced topics without getting overwhelmed.

This tailored AI-created book explores the latest kernel programming developments of 2025, focusing on emerging technologies and innovations. It examines new discoveries in kernel architecture, multitasking, and security enhancements, all customized to your background and interests. By concentrating on the newest insights, this book offers a unique opportunity to stay ahead with content that matches your specific goals in system-level programming. The personalized approach ensures the material is relevant and engaging, addressing the areas you care about most within kernel development. It reveals how recent advances can be integrated into your projects, helping you understand complex topics with clarity and precision.

What started as a best-selling video course evolved into this detailed guide where Daniel McCarthy shares his deep experience in kernel and compiler development. You’ll learn how to build a multitasking operating system from the ground up, mastering real mode and protected mode programming, memory management, and device drivers. The book breaks down complex topics like paging and virtual memory, guiding you through practical projects such as crafting a boot loader and an interactive shell. If you’re intrigued by operating systems and want a hands-on path to kernel development, this book gives you the tools and insights to truly understand and create your own kernel architecture.

Drawing from her extensive experience as chief open source officer at Isovalent, Liz Rice offers a practical exploration of eBPF's transformative role in Linux kernel programming. You learn how to write and manipulate eBPF programs, attach them to kernel events, and leverage this dynamic technology to enhance observability, networking, and security without altering applications themselves. The chapters methodically unpack eBPF’s interactions with the kernel, providing clarity on a subject often shrouded in complexity. If you're a developer, sysadmin, or operator eager to understand how to harness this evolving technology, this book delivers a focused foundation without unnecessary jargon.