The Linux course, titled Kernel Shadows, is structured as a git repository containing 101 lessons across eight seasons. It requires approximately 98 hours and 25 minutes to complete and includes 2393 automated tests. The content is released under the GPL v3 license and is available on GitHub.
The curriculum focuses on system administration tasks, such as managing configurations and analyzing system states, rather than just shell scripting. To ensure practical skill development, the course uses a taxonomy of task types, where configuration and analysis account for two-thirds of the material.
The course is designed to run locally without requiring root access, network connections, Docker, or specialized hardware. Tests verify logic and configuration files by parsing them as a system would, rather than executing live services. This approach allows for the detection of subtle errors like duplicate directives or incorrect syntax.
Students use tools like bash, git, make, and python3 to complete assignments. Progress is tracked locally via make commands. The course includes a storyline where the student acts as a system administrator, with guidance provided by an AI assistant configured to explain concepts rather than provide direct solutions.
