No More Boot Loader: Using the Linux Kernel as a Bootloader

Explore a groundbreaking approach to system booting in this 35-minute conference talk from DevConf.CZ 2024. Delve into the innovative "nmbl" (no more boot loader) scheme, designed to replace the traditional GRUB bootloader with a fast, secure, Linux-based, user-space solution. Learn why the Linux kernel itself can serve as a more efficient and secure bootloader, leveraging its large developer base, rapid feature development, and quick vulnerability responses. Discover how this new method, utilizing the EFI stub on UEFI and unified kernel images (UKI), eliminates code duplication and incorporates all necessary components for reaching the final boot target. Gain insights into the progress made by Red Hat's boot loader engineering team and participate in providing feedback and use cases for this revolutionary approach to system booting.