Compiling the kernel

[Doug Barton]

For future reference, the best list to start with is always
freebsd-questions at freebsd.org. If you're sure your question is
specific only to a port, then use freebsd-ports at freebsd.org.

John P. Barton wrote:
> I read the handbook section 8.5 {Building a Kernel} many times.  I cannot
> resolve the phrase "make buildkernel KERNCONF=MYKERNEL".  I know that
> MYKERNEL refers to the name I give to the new kernel I want to build but
> neither buildkernel nor installkernel exists in the make command.  Can you
> clear this up for me.  I'm trying to add the IPDIVERT option to a new build
> so I can implement NAT.  I cannot seem to figure this out and yes, I am very
> new to Linux. 

A) This is not Linux, it's FreeBSD. Both are open source Unix
operating systems, but they have very different infrastructures.

B) As far as I can see you're seriously overthinking this. Let's say
that your kernel config file is named FRED. You would do this on the
command line:
make buildkernel KERNCONF=FRED

That's it. It would probably be a lot easier for you to put the
following in /etc/src.conf:
KERNCONF=	FRED

You should read 'man src.conf' for more information.

C) Unlike Linux, you really don't want to build just the kernel,
unless you are sticking with the same set of sources that match the
system you already have installed. Then, at minimum you'll still have
to build the necessary infrastructure in the object tree to be able to
build the kernel. Your best bet is to do 'make buildworld' first, then
edit src.conf as described above, then do 'make kernel'.


good luck,

Doug

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