Importing Linux Kernel Code to VS Code

In this post I’ll take you to import kernel code to VS Code for a nice code viewing and developing experience. You can say goodbye to CLion which eats your memory without mercy. This tutorial will be based on the Android-x86 source tree which contains Linux kernel almost identical to the upstream kernel.

• The first step is installing VS Code of course. I’ll simply skip this step for any experienced developers.
• Now search and install the C/C++ Extension in VS Code’s extension market.
• Build the kernel before you do anything else.
• Use a magical script named gen_compile_commands.py in the kernel/script file. If it does not exist, you can find it in the upstream Linux kernel repository (https://github.com/torvalds/linux/blob/master/scripts/gen_compile_commands.py).
• Run the command by python gen_compile_commands.py -d ${path-to-kernel-build-directory}. In the case of Android-x86, the corresponding kernel build path is out/target/product/{x86_64}/obj/kernel ({} denotes that this name can vary depending on your chosen build target).
• After that you can find you compile_commands.json in the kernel build path.
• Now go back to VS Code and enter Ctrl+Shift+P to initiate command execution.
• Enter >C/C++: Edit Configurations (UI) (you should get prompted even if you have not finished the command).
• Now open Advanced Settings and find the Compile commands setting.
• Enter the path to your compile_commands.json and you are good to go! Enjoy your VS Code journey.