Object-oriented design patterns in C and kernel development
15 days ago
- #C
- #kernel
- #object-oriented
- Object-oriented design patterns can be implemented in C using function pointers in structures to achieve polymorphism.
- The Linux kernel uses this approach to embrace object-oriented principles like encapsulation, modularity, and extensibility.
- A 'vtable' (a struct with function pointers) can define an interface, allowing different objects to use the same API while calling different functions.
- Vtables can be swapped at runtime, enabling dynamic behavior changes without modifying the caller code.
- This pattern is useful for implementing services in an OS, such as networking managers or schedulers, with consistent start, stop, and restart operations.
- The approach pairs well with kernel modules, allowing dynamic extension of the kernel without recompiling or rebooting.
- Drawbacks include clunky syntax (e.g., object->ops->start(object)) and verbose function signatures, but these also make dependencies clearer.
- Vtables provide flexibility and consistency in kernel code, making OS development a fun playground for experimentation.