Chapter 2

Solaris Kernel and Device Tree

A device driver needs to work transparently as an integral part of the operating system. Understanding how the kernel works is a prerequisite for learning about device drivers. This chapter provides an overview of the Solaris kernel and device tree. For an overview of how device drivers work, see Chapter 1, Overview of Solaris Device Drivers.

This chapter provides information on the following subjects:

• What Is the Kernel?

• Multithreaded Execution Environment

• Virtual Memory

• Devices as Special Files

• DDI/DKI Interfaces

• Device Tree Components

• Displaying the Device Tree

• Binding a Driver to a Device