Understanding the Linux Virtual Memory Manager

Mel Gorman0131453483, 9780131453487

Finally, a comprehensive guide to the Linux VM!VM’s behavior affects every Linux kernel subsystem and dramatically impacts overall performance. But until now, there was only one way to understand VM: study the poorly documented source one line at a time. Now there’s an easier, faster alternative. This book describes VM in unprecedented detail, presenting both theoretical foundations and a line-by-line source code commentary. It systematically covers everything from physical memory description to out-of-memory management. Coverage includes: * Linux VM 2.4 architecture in depth-with diagrams and call graphs * Physical memory description, page tables, address spaces, and memory allocation * High memory, swapping, shared memory, and much more * Expert guidance for analyzing the code of any open source project * New Linux 2.6 kernel features in every chapterWell organized and superbly written, Understanding the Linux Virtual Memory Manager will be indispensable to every kernel programmer and researcher.