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Asked: 2026-06-03T12:37:36+00:00

When I develop a loadable kernel module (LKM) should I use C? Is it

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When I develop a loadable kernel module (LKM) should I use C?

Is it possible to develop a loadable kernel module (LKM) on Linux with language other than C for example C++?

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  1. Editorial Team

    It may be possible to an extent, but be warned (from http://www.tux.org/lkml/#s15-3):

    Is it a good idea to write a new driver in C++?
    The short answer is
    no, because there isn’t any support for C++ drivers in the kernel.

    Why not add a C++ interface layer to the kernel to support C++ drivers?
    The short answer is why bother, since there aren’t any C++ drivers for
    Linux.

    I think the best idea is to consult existing resources (there are a few kernel driver books, including a free one online) which are all in C, get the basics figured out, then you can try and see if you can get c++ to work there.

    But I very much doubt that will be easy. You don’t even have access to the full C standard library in the kernel. Something to think about: it does not link to shared libraries, and the total executable image is usually 2-3 MB.

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