eBPF (extended Berkeley Packet Filter) is a revolutionary in-kernel virtual machine that allows developers to run sandboxed programs in a privileged context. This technology is at the forefront of modern Linux, enabling unprecedented performance, observability, and security. By programmatically extending the kernel's capabilities, eBPF provides a safe, efficient, and dynamic way to build high-performance systems without modifying the kernel source code or loading kernel modules. From high-speed container networking and ...
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eBPF (extended Berkeley Packet Filter) is a revolutionary in-kernel virtual machine that allows developers to run sandboxed programs in a privileged context. This technology is at the forefront of modern Linux, enabling unprecedented performance, observability, and security. By programmatically extending the kernel's capabilities, eBPF provides a safe, efficient, and dynamic way to build high-performance systems without modifying the kernel source code or loading kernel modules. From high-speed container networking and load balancing to deep runtime security and system tracing , eBPF is becoming the foundational layer for cloud-native infrastructure. This book explores how this powerful technology is driving innovation in a wide range of fields. Authored by a team of engineers with hands-on experience in building and operating production eBPF systems at scale, this guide is grounded in practical, real-world applications. We draw on our deep expertise in Linux kernel programming, distributed systems, and cloud-native architecture to provide insights that are both authoritative and accessible. Our work has been battle-tested in the most demanding environments, from high-frequency trading platforms to global-scale Kubernetes clusters. The advice and techniques presented are a direct result of our experience solving complex problems and contributing to the eBPF open-source ecosystem , ensuring you get a guide that is truly credible and effective. Practical eBPF is a comprehensive, hands-on guide for developers, DevOps engineers, and SREs. This book takes you from the core concepts of eBPF and the kernel's verifier to building advanced, production-grade tools. You'll learn the eBPF development lifecycle, master essential debugging techniques, and explore its transformative role in Kubernetes networking and container security . With a focus on practical examples and modern best practices, this book empowers you to leverage eBPF for creating high-performance Linux systems, enhancing observability , and implementing robust security policies. eBPF Fundamentals : Deep dives into the eBPF architecture, maps, helpers, and the verifier. Hands-On Development : Step-by-step tutorials on writing, compiling, and loading your first eBPF programs. Advanced Techniques : Master complex topics like tail calls , program chaining, and working with kernel data structures. Cloud-Native Integration : Learn how eBPF enhances CNI (Container Network Interface) and service meshes in Kubernetes. Real-World Projects : A complete guide to building a container-aware security tool and other practical applications. Debugging and Troubleshooting : Expert strategies for debugging eBPF programs and interpreting verifier logs. Ecosystem and Community : A comprehensive overview of the eBPF foundation, community, and resources for continued learning. This book is for developers and engineers who are familiar with Linux systems and have a basic understanding of C programming. Whether you're a backend developer looking to optimize your application's performance, a security professional wanting to build next-generation defense tools, or an SRE aiming to improve system observability and troubleshooting , this guide provides the knowledge and practical skills you need. It is designed for those who want to move beyond high-level abstractions and gain a deep, technical understanding of the core of modern Linux. Don't waste countless hours sifting through fragmented online documentation and outdated tutorials. This book provides a clear, structured learning path that saves you time and accelerates your journey to eBPF mastery. Stop debugging with guesswork and start building with confidence.
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