Raspberry Pi Linux is a Linux kernel source tree maintained by the Raspberry Pi Foundation for use on Raspberry Pi hardware.
The repository contains the kernel source code that powers official Raspberry Pi kernel builds. It is based on the upstream Linux kernel but includes Raspberry Pi-specific patches, drivers, and device tree overlays tailored to the hardware capabilities of various Raspberry Pi models. Developers working with Raspberry Pi systems can build custom kernels from this source, apply their own modifications, and access comprehensive kernel documentation covering build requirements, configuration, and troubleshooting.
This kernel is the appropriate choice for anyone deploying on Raspberry Pi hardware who needs to build a custom kernel, apply patches, or understand the exact kernel configuration running on their device. It suits projects requiring hardware-specific optimizations or integration with Raspberry Pi peripherals and interfaces. The repository maintains multiple active branches tracking different upstream kernel versions, allowing developers to choose a stable branch matching their requirements.
The project maintains automated build testing across its active branches, with continuous integration workflows that verify kernel compilation and validate device tree overlays. Documentation is comprehensive and includes guides for both kernel developers and users, with build instructions and compatibility information readily available in the repository.
