Understanding Linux Kernel Code through Formal Verification: A Case Study of the Task-Scheduler Function select_idle_core

Abstract

International audienceOn the one hand, the Linux kernel task scheduler is critical to all application performance. On the other hand, it is widely agreed that its code complexity is spiraling out of control, and only a tiny handful of kernel developers understand it. We are exploring the opportunities and challenges in applying formal verification to Linux kernel task-scheduler code. Building on a previous work focusing on the evolution of the function should_we_balance, we here consider a version of the key task-placement function select_idle_core and the evolution of the iterators on which it relies