This section documents the functions available to device driver
writers and kernel level modules. The functions are of interest mainly
to device driver writers, although anyone considering running code in
linux kernel mode may need to be familiar with these interfaces.
Some of the functions of the DDI exist only in certain versions of the
kernel. Use the
LINUX_VERSION_CODE
macro to test for specific versions of the kernel. For example, to use
a feature that is new to 2.1, say:
#if LINUX_VERSION_CODE >= 0x020100
... use new stuff ...
#else
... do it the old way ...
#endif
The following is a list of the man pages, divided roughly into
function groups.
Kernel Functions
These are general kernel functions.
MAJOR
MOD_INC_USE_COUNT
cli
init_bh
init_module
kmalloc
poll_wait
printk
probe_irq_on
register_chrdev
register_console
request_irq
save_flags
sleep_on
wake_up
/proc functions
These functions relate to manipulation of the
/proc
filesystem.
proc_dir_entry
proc_net_register
proc_scsi_register
BIOS32 functions
These are specific to PCI (BIOS32) support.
pcibios_find_class
pcibios_present
pcibios_read_config_byte
pcibios_read_config_dword
pcibios_read_config_word
pcibios_strerror
pcibios_write_config_byte
pcibios_write_config_dword
pcibios_write_config_word
VM functions
These are functions that support manipulating the virtual memory
subsystem.
MAP_NR
mem_map_reserve
Network Functions
skb_dequeue
skb_insert
skb_peek
skb_queue_empty
skb_queue_head
skb_queue_head_init
skb_queue_len
skb_queue_tail
skb_unlink
AVAILABILITY
Each man page attempts to list the kernel versions where the function
is available. If the form of the function changes, this section tells
when the described form applies.
SEE ALSO
This section lists other man pages that may be of interest. Also,
interesting source files in the linux kernel may be listed here.
AUTHORS
Each man page has a section like this one that lists the author(s) who
contributed significantly to that page. Other unnamed individuals may
also have contributed corrections, editorial, etc.
Editorial, and this intro page, were done by Stephen Williams
<steve@icarus.com>.
BUGS
The living linux kernel is a moving target, and the kernel functions
are unique to linux. Therefore, although the editor and contributers
make a good effort to be as accurate as possible, errors may
exist. The source codes of the linux kernel are the ultimate authority
on the behavior of any function and should be considered the final
word.
