Conceptual
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Getting the Linux Kernel Source Tree

The Linux kernel is a single very large project whose complete source code you can download and build yourself. You get it by cloning its Git repository, which gives you every file and the full history behind them. Knowing the shape of that tree tells you where drivers, documentation, build files and samples live. Without your own copy you can read about the kernel but never change or test it.

Questions this Concept answers

  • Why clone the kernel tree rather than read the same files through a web interface?