Skip to main content Link Menu Expand (external link) Document Search Copy Copied

Meeting Summary: CS 326 Lecture/Lab Spring 2025

Date & Time: January 23, 2025, 02:50 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Meeting ID: 813 3845 7711

Quick Recap

Greg conducted a hands-on session focused on compiling and running xv6 on laptops. The session included demonstrations on the use of Aider and the LLM CLI to enhance the interactive learning experience. Key topics covered comprised:

  • Installing cross-compiler tools and setting up Qemu for RISC-V emulation.
  • Troubleshooting cloning issues and software installations.
  • Introducing the fundamental components of an operating system and addressing challenges in understanding its inner workings.

Next Steps

  • All Students:
    • Install cross-compiler tools and Qemu on their machines.
    • Clone the xv6 repository and compile/run it successfully.
    • Manually add a new “hello” user program to xv6 following lab instructions.
    • Configure Aider with their OpenRouter API key.
    • Read Chapter 1 of the xv6 book prior to the next Tuesday’s class.
  • Windows Users:
    • Collaborate with Quinn to resolve xv6 installation issues on Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
  • Instructors:
    • Greg will post the Chapter 1 reading assignment on Campuswire.
    • Quinn will set up his environment and create a detailed installation guide for Windows users.
    • Greg will investigate and propose a solution for using Google’s free model with Aider.

Session Details

1. Compiling and Running xv6 on Laptops

  • Overview:
    Greg guided participants through the process of compiling and running xv6 on their laptops. This process involved:
    • Installing cross-compiler tools.
    • Using Qemu for RISC-V emulation.
    • Cloning the xv6 repository from GitHub.

  • New Tools Introduced:
    The session introduced Aider and the LLM CLI to help generate example code and make the xv6 book more interactive.

  • Upcoming Work:
    Students will read Chapter 1 of the xv6 book in preparation for the next session.

2. Cross Compiler Installation and WSL

  • Focus:
    The discussion centered on installing cross-compiler versions, with particular emphasis on:
    • Instructions for Mac users using Homebrew.
    • Familiarizing participants with the command line.
    • Guidance for Windows users leveraging WSL with Ubuntu.
  • Additional Resources:
    Participants were informed of the potential assistance from ChatGPT for terminal commands.

3. Installing Tool Chain and Qemu

  • Installation Guidance:
    Greg demonstrated how to install the tool chain and Qemu:
    • Attendees were advised to attempt tool chain installation initially without certain components.
    • Qemu was to be installed using Homebrew.

4. Setting Up and Running xv6

  • Process Explanation:
    Greg provided detailed instructions on:
    • Installing necessary tools (cross-compilers and Qemu).
    • Cloning the xv6 repository.
    • Compiling both the kernel and user-level programs.
  • Practical Demonstration:
    Commands related to directory creation and filesystem navigation within xv6 were demonstrated, with a focus on troubleshooting potential problems.

5. Qemu Installation and Configuration Issues

  • Windows Focus:
    A particular focus was placed on compiling and running a software called Qemu RISC-V on Windows using Qemu.
  • Challenges Highlighted:
    • Issues with Qemu’s KVM support on Windows.
    • Discussions were held regarding potential solutions.
    • Additional, off-topic personal discussions were noted.

6. Cloning Process and Qemu Issues

  • Issues Encountered:
    • Difficulties in the cloning process were discussed.
    • The suggestion was made to add ‘–no-kvm’ to the xv6 Makefile to resolve these issues.
  • Further Instructions:
    • Participants were asked to manually add and compile new user programs.
    • The option to use Aider for assistance was reiterated.
    • Some delays due to download issues and Windows-related Qemu problems were acknowledged.
    • Greg encouraged continued effort and prompt notification of any persistent problems.

7. Setting Up the xv6 Development Environment

  • Development Tools:
    Greg reviewed the environment setup for xv6, including:
    • Configuring Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL).
    • Integrating the Aider AI assistant.
  • Practical Exercise:
    A demonstration showed how to add a new user program called “Hello” to xv6 by:
    • Modifying the makefile.
    • Creating a new C file.
  • Emphasis on Understanding:
    The importance of understanding code modifications made by Aider was stressed. The remaining session time was intended to build a mental model of operating systems and their key components.

8. Operating System and Virtual Memory

  • Concept Discussion:
    Greg explained:
    • The operating system is the first code that runs when a computer starts, providing essential services to applications.
    • The distinction between kernel space (direct hardware/process management) and user space (program execution like shells and browsers).

  • Virtual Memory:
    The concept of virtual memory and paging was introduced, emphasizing how each process operates within its own virtual address space.

  • Semester Challenge:
    A primary challenge for the semester is to understand the workings of operating systems, including their data structures and processor interactions.

9. Resolving Technical Issues and API Keys

  • Troubleshooting:
    The session concluded with efforts to resolve technical issues related to:
    • Internet connectivity.
    • API key configuration for tools like OpenAI.
    • The discussion included commands and processes needed for troubleshooting.
  • Additional Actions:
    Some elements were advised to be recloned as part of the resolution process.

References