On a Kernel Events Layer and User-space Message Bus System

Various Linux usage scenarios, particularly the widely accepted server and the rapidly growing desktop, require a lightweight, simple, asynchronous, mechanism for kernel to user-space communication. Such a mechanism is crucial for the transmissions of events to user-space in a type-safe and clean manner. Further, a system-level messaging bus, which can deliver messages up the system stack on both a system-wide and per-user level, is required to further the integration of the Linux system.

This talk will discuss the design and implementation for two specific solutions, the Kernel Events Layer and D-BUS, to these two problems. Finally, useful solutions built on the sum of these technologies will be discussed - such as a fully integrated Linux desktop, from the kernel up through the GNOME desktop.