mini-config

[John Gay]

On Monday 13 February 2006 16:26, Jeremy Utley wrote:
> On 2/12/06, John Gay <johngay at eircom.net> wrote:
> > With the new 2.6.15+ kernels, there's a new mini-config option that might
> > be of great use for initial kernels. There's also an allnoconfig and
> > other auto options that could use a mention in the book to help simplify
> > kernel configuration, which is a very difficult task.
> >
> > I tried the mini-config set-up, but the kernel build failed at
> > kernel/pci, so it's not fool-proof yet, but it is something to watch out
> > for. Maybe a basic mini-config that builds could be suggested for the
> > initial kernel, to get people going. Then they can dig deeper into the
> > kernel config at their leisure once they have a booting system to start
> > with?
> >
> > Just a suggestion.
>
> LFS, and especially CLFS, is for experienced Linux users, and by
> definition those type of people should be 100% capable of building
> their own kernel.  I personally don't think the book needs any more
> hand-holding in this regard.
>
Well, I've built several systems, both LFS and Debian, and I've compiled many 
kernels in my time, and the number of options still leaves my head spinning. 
I think most people will agree that selecting all the right options for a 
particular system is still a bit hit-N-miss, even for experienced builders.

I've also have seen many times that the kernel failed to compile because 
incompatible, or just broken options were enabled during the config process.

This isn't meant as a hand-holding experience, but to give a base, minimal 
kernel, as recommended in the book, to get the system up and running. 

 <FBBG>
Warning 


Here a temporary cross-compiled kernel will be built. When configuring it, 
select the minimal amount of options required to boot the target machine and 
build the final system. I.e., no support for sound, printers, etc. will be 
needed. 


Also, try to avoid the use of modules if possible, and don't use the resulting 
kernel image for production systems. 
</FBBG>

Then time can be taken to add or modify the kernel as desired with a known 
good kernel to fall back on. 

Cheers,

	John Gay