Detailed Introduction

Detailed Introduction#

The L4Re Operating System Framework consists of a small kernel – a microkernel – and a user-level infrastructure that includes basic services such as program loading and memory management up to virtual machine handling. L4Re also provides the environment for applications through libraries containing process-local and cross-process functionality. Go to Architecture Concepts to learn about the underlying concepts.

L4Re’s Buildsystem utilises Gnu Make to provide high customizability for the user when it comes to choosing compilers and target platforms to cross-compile for.

The L4Re Operating System Framework is:

  • multi-platform and multi-architecture, including x86, ARM, MIPS, and RISC-V

  • modular

  • open-source

  • virtualization-aware and flexible by providing multiple virtualization options

Libraries, process-local and cross-process functionality:

  • C library with pthreads and shared libraries

  • libstdc++, fully featured STL

  • Virtual file-system infrastructure

  • C and C++ environment

  • Client/Server and communication frameworks

L4Re services:

  • Scriptable program and system management

  • Input/Output drivers

  • Virtual machines and Hypervisor

  • Platform and device management, including ACPI and PCIe

  • Input/output multiplexing, including graphics