Turning a Linux driver into open source and getting it into the kernel is a multi-step process that requires clean code, proper licensing, and careful upstream collaboration. Here's a practical roadmap:
Choose a license & clean IP — Select a GPL-compatible license (GPLv2 is kernel standard). Remove/prove ownership of any third-party blobs. Add SPDX headers.
Follow kernel style & APIs — Run checkpatch.pl, follow the Kernel Coding Style, use kernel APIs (no userspace hacks), and avoid proprietary interfaces.
Modularize & document — Split into well-scoped files, add Kconfig, Makefile, and driver docs (Documentation/), device tree bindings if relevant.
Write tests — Provide regression tests, runtime checks, and reproduce steps for maintainers; include samples and stress tests.
Create a development tree — Host a public git repo, keep a clear commit history, and sign off commits (Signed-off-by:).
Engage maintainers early — Find the right subsystem maintainers and mailing lists (LKML, subsystem list), send small logical patches with proper cover letters. Expect review cycles and iterate on feedback.
Submit patches via email/git — Use git send-email or pull requests if requested; include Cc: stable@vger dot kernel dot org for stable backports when applicable.
Respond to reviews & testing — Address comments, add suggested changes, and provide test results (CI, autobuilders). Persistence and good communication matter.
Get MAINTAINERS entry — Once accepted, add yourself or the team as contacts in the MAINTAINERS file if appropriate.
Ongoing support — After upstreaming, continue maintenance (bugfixes, API changes, backports).
If you also provide web interfaces or dashboards around the driver (device management, logs, or OTA updates), consider engaging web application maintenance services(https://www.cmarix.com/support-maintenance.html) to keep those companion tools secure and up to date while your kernel code evolves.
Amy Brooks
Turning a Linux driver into open source and getting it into the kernel is a multi-step process that requires clean code, proper licensing, and careful upstream collaboration. Here's a practical roadmap:
Choose a license & clean IP — Select a GPL-compatible license (GPLv2 is kernel standard). Remove/prove ownership of any third-party blobs. Add SPDX headers.
Follow kernel style & APIs — Run checkpatch.pl, follow the Kernel Coding Style, use kernel APIs (no userspace hacks), and avoid proprietary interfaces.
Modularize & document — Split into well-scoped files, add Kconfig, Makefile, and driver docs (Documentation/), device tree bindings if relevant.
Write tests — Provide regression tests, runtime checks, and reproduce steps for maintainers; include samples and stress tests.
Create a development tree — Host a public git repo, keep a clear commit history, and sign off commits (Signed-off-by:).
Engage maintainers early — Find the right subsystem maintainers and mailing lists (LKML, subsystem list), send small logical patches with proper cover letters. Expect review cycles and iterate on feedback.
Submit patches via email/git — Use git send-email or pull requests if requested; include Cc: stable@vger dot kernel dot org for stable backports when applicable.
Respond to reviews & testing — Address comments, add suggested changes, and provide test results (CI, autobuilders). Persistence and good communication matter.
Get MAINTAINERS entry — Once accepted, add yourself or the team as contacts in the MAINTAINERS file if appropriate.
Ongoing support — After upstreaming, continue maintenance (bugfixes, API changes, backports).
If you also provide web interfaces or dashboards around the driver (device management, logs, or OTA updates), consider engaging web application maintenance services(https://www.cmarix.com/support-maintenance.html) to keep those companion tools secure and up to date while your kernel code evolves.