Deep Understanding of Linux Virtual Memory Management

Author: MelGorman
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The behavior of VM affects every subsystem of the Linux kernel and dynamically changes overall performance. However, until now, the only way to understand VM was to study the scarce source code line by line. Now, there is a simpler and faster alternative. This book unprecedentedly details VM, not only including theoretical foundations but also line-by-line code annotations. It systematically covers every aspect from physical memory description to memory overflow management:
1. The hierarchical architecture of Linux VM 2.4, with charts and call graphs
2. Physical memory description, page tables, address spaces, and memory allocation
3. High memory, swap, shared memory, and more
4. Expert guidance on analyzing open-source projects
5. New features of the Linux 2.6 kernel in each chapter
"Deep Understanding of Linux Virtual Memory Management" will become an indispensable reference for every kernel programmer and researcher.
The adoption of Linux in China is not yet mature, and Chinese materials on the kernel tend to be overly comprehensive while lacking detailed descriptions. These books often selectively explain kernel source code due to length constraints, leaving many readers unable to fully grasp the actual implementation, leading to frustration or confusion. Others provide rough code annotations, omitting many kernel implementation details, making them difficult for intermediate-level readers. Additionally, some kernel books are outdated, leaving many system calls, especially those related to hardware, unclear for mid-to-high-level kernel developers and those working on newer kernel versions.
By chance, I discovered this gem online while it was still in draft form and gained attention from the LinuxCN website. However, due to various reasons, it had not been released to the public. Later, I reflected on the situation and realized that such a great book should not be missed by the many Linux enthusiasts in China. Overcoming numerous challenges, I finally translated the complete and official version of this book, hoping to provide some assistance to everyone. Among the many books analyzing the Linux kernel, this one stands out with its features:
(1) Before this book's publication, there were virtually no comprehensive documents on Linux Virtual Memory (VM). The lack of documentation directly led to VM being understood by only a small number of kernel developers. Minimal or no information described the theoretical foundations of this implementation.
(2) This book attempts to bridge the gap between memory management theory and its specific implementation in Linux, combining both aspects into one. It is the first book today that fully understands the running mechanism of Linux VM and connects theory with implementation. This book does not aim to teach theory but first explains it before delving into the details of its Linux implementation.
(3) This book explains Linux VM from a relatively hardware-independent perspective.
(4) Function call graphs and system architecture diagrams are clear and easy to follow, allowing readers to quickly grasp the overall system structure.
(5) The appendix contains detailed annotations on VM, making it easier for readers to understand the implementation process and become more proficient in VM's operational mechanisms.
(6) It analyzes VM in the 2.4 kernel and also covers new VM features in the 2.6 kernel, keeping pace with the latest developments in the Linux kernel.
This book covers physical memory, page table management, process address spaces, boot memory allocator, physical page allocation, non-contiguous memory allocation, Slab allocator, high memory management, page frame recovery, swap management, shared memory, virtual file systems, and more.
The translation of this book was primarily completed by Bai Luo, Li Junkui, and Liu Senlin. A small number of contributions were also made by Huang Jing, Zhang Shen, He Hu, Zha Zhiyong, Lü Zhihua, Xia Yu, Ni Xiaolei, vbar, newface, and hs_guanqi. Professor Huang Zhonglin completed the proofreading of this book.
During the translation process, my family, friends, and classmates provided immense support and encouragement. I am grateful to my family, friends, and classmates. I am also grateful to Professor Huang Zhonglin for his patient guidance and hard work. I am thankful to the enthusiastic netizens of LinuxCN. I am grateful to all those who care about and love Linux.
Due to my limited knowledge, there may be some errors and omissions in the translation. I welcome any feedback from the readers. Let us learn together and progress together.
The target readers of this book include university teachers and students, researchers in research institutions, Linux kernel developers, application developers, system administrators, and any enthusiasts interested in VM or the operational mechanisms of kernel subsystems. Don't miss this book—you'll discover how amazing it is.