It’s not really a big deal, but I am currently writing this using a linux kernel I compiled from source, which certainly feels like an accomplishment. The Arch Wiki has made the process fairly easy to follow. I just took the stock Arch Linux configuration without changes for now.

The most important part of this is of course that I have the option to do that, to take the source code of this incredible project and build my own kernel binary.

  • Papamousse@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    13
    ·
    1 year ago

    I often did this for years, using -march=corei7 and -mtune=skylake or whatever was the best option for my cpu, patching with brainfuck scheduler, etc.

    Now I don’t care really 😑

    It’s always cool to tinker with kernel and config, congrats 🎉

    • Deebster@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      English
      arrow-up
      14
      ·
      1 year ago

      As a student I wasted so much time mucking around with flags and settings in Gentoo. It definitely wasn’t pointless since I learned so much, but I didn’t need to sit there and watch it compile as much as I did.

      It was pleasing to watch though, just like defrag in Windows.

  • TheImpressiveX@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    11
    ·
    1 year ago

    This is the best part of free/libre/open-source software. Even if you would never want or need to compile software yourself, the fact that you have the option to do so, and the opportunity to learn how the software works, is what makes FLOSS superior to proprietary software IMO.

    I just compiled Handbrake from source a few minutes ago, and I know how you feel. Best of luck in your future code-compiling endeavors.

  • banazir@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    1 year ago

    Nice! I also compiled the kernel multiple times when I used Gentoo back in mid 00’s. It may not be a big deal as such, but I feel kind of good being able to say I’ve done it.

    Next challenge: write your own kernel.

  • atomic@programming.dev
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    3
    ·
    edit-2
    1 year ago

    Nice job! Now you begin the journey of refining and perfecting your kernel config over time, to suit you. A new world awaits.

  • GeekyOnion@beehaw.org
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    I used to do this with Gentoo, and it was always a blast! Glad that you’re having fun “rolling your own!”

  • GenBlob@lemmy.world
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    2
    ·
    1 year ago

    Nice! After the first time you get the hang of it but keep in mind, If you do make your own config you will have to recompile your kernel for any hardware that isn’t automatically enabled in the config like graphics, touchpad, tablets, and other peripherals you will plug into your computer. Reading up on what hardware you have helps a lot but I still manage to forget something when I have to create my own config. Thankfully you can just transfer your config to the next kernel instead of creating it all over again.

    • erwan@lemmy.ml
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      1
      ·
      edit-2
      1 year ago

      Hey, I did compile my kernel so I’m part of the club!

      But now that I think about it, the last time was 20 years ago and it’s because it was the only was to get my sound card and network card working…

  • melroy@kbin.melroy.org
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Maybe it’s not a big deal… But I still remember the first time I compiled the Linux kernel. It feels good. Well done!!

  • forgotmylastusername@lemmy.ml
    link
    fedilink
    arrow-up
    1
    ·
    1 year ago

    Fun times. Always keep a fallback kernel installed. Even if you’re not compiling your own.

    I had to learn what chroot is when I borked my own kernel compile and there wasn’t fallback.