Chapter 5. The Kernel

The core of the eCos system is the kernel. We begin this chapter by understanding the functionality provided by the kernel. Next, we cover the startup procedure the kernel follows in order to start an application. Finally, we look at the different scheduling schemes available, how they are used, and how we configure the kernel to meet the needs of different applications.

This chapter, along with the material covered in the next chapter on threads and synchronization, prepares us for building an application that use the eCos kernel and its features.