osdev-toolchain

What problem does it solve?

This Skill removes the uncertainty and friction of bare-metal OS development by documenting how to build and use cross-compilers, author linker scripts, integrate assembly and C, and debug kernel images with emulators so developers avoid host-tool mismatches and linking/runtime errors.

Core Features & Use Cases

• Cross-compiler build and verification: step-by-step instructions to build binutils, GCC (or use Clang), and optional GDB for common targets like i686-elf, x86_64-elf, arm-none-eabi, aarch64-none-elf, and riscv64-unknown-elf.
• Linker script and symbol guidance: templates and annotated examples for 32-bit, 64-bit higher-half, and embedded MEMORY layouts plus guidance on VMA vs LMA and KEEP usage.
• Assembly and build system patterns: NASM vs GAS differences, calling conventions, Makefile templates for out-of-tree builds, and ISO/ISO+QEMU workflows for building and running kernels.
• Emulator debugging workflows: QEMU flags, GDB remote workflows, .gdbinit suggestions, and Bochs vs QEMU tradeoffs for deep x86 debugging.
• Use Case: Prepare a freestanding kernel project, build a cross-toolchain, link with a custom linker script, and debug kernel entry and paging issues in QEMU with a GDB connection.

Quick Start

Use the osdev-toolchain guide to build an i686-elf cross-compiler, produce a kernel.elf with the provided Makefile template, and launch it in QEMU for interactive debugging.