11:01 <uwumeowmeownyaa> If I update the Linux kernel, should I also replace its source code to allow programs to use the newest kernel features?

11:23 <ivandi> nope

11:32 <uwumeowmeownyaa> How will programs know that they can utilize the newest kernel features then?

11:54 <ivandi> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linux_kernel_interfaces

11:54 <braewoods_> uwumeowmeownyaa, that won't make any difference if it's something that requires the use of a specific API. there's also uname() or probing /sys if they need such things. kernel headers may be needed for some stuff to work but beyond that there's no real need for the kernel source other than compiling a kernel or kernel modules.

11:55 <braewoods_> but programs can use uname() or kernel macros to determine if a kernel feature is present or not, or many other more specific tests.

11:56 <braewoods_> most of the time it isn't needed because glibc provides a suitable interface.

11:56 <braewoods_> except for more specialized kernel APIs like hidraw though.

12:13 <uwumeowmeownyaa> I'm thinking of Tomoyo Linux... But I don't know if it is possible to install such system without providing the kernel headers matching the currently installed kernel...

12:41 <braewoods_> uwumeowmeownyaa, is that really relevant? it appears it is in the mainline kernel.