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Linux is a family of open source Unix-like operating systems based on the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released on September 17, 1991 by Linus Torvalds. Linux is typically packaged in a Linux distribution (or distro for short).

Distributions include the Linux kernel and supporting system software and libraries, many of which are provided by the GNU Project. Many Linux distributions use the word "Linux" in their name, but the Free Software Foundation uses the name GNU/Linux to emphasize the importance of GNU software, causing some controversy.

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Writing a basic Linux device driver when you know nothing about Linux drivers or USB (crescentro.se)

submitted 1 day ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

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[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 day ago (3 children)

Interesting read. I wonder where OP got the specs for the device itself, i.E. what it expects in terms of data and what the response (interrupt) values mean?

[–] [email protected] 22 points 1 day ago (1 children)

To my surprise, Nanoleaf tech support responded to me within 4 hours, with a full description of the protocol that’s used both by the Desk Dock as well as their RGB strips. The docs mostly confirmed what I had already discovered independently, but there were a couple of other minor features as well (like power and brightness management) that I did not know about, which was helpful.

Combo of investigating and a foot up from the manufacturer.

When I've done this in the past for game controllers I've not received such an emphatic response (other than when I was working for the vendor).

Did get some via FOI for a few other products though.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Yeah, props to the Nanoleaf team for helping the author out. Win-win. The author says at the end that they intend on sharing it around more once it has more polish, so I hope they upstream it properly and demonstrate to Nanoleaf that helping out volunteers helps their product reach more customers. (I know it's iffy to suggest it's ok to neglect Linux and let us sort it out ourselves, but if we get open-source drivers in the process with the help of the company, I think that's a net win)

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 day ago

Over the past few posts I’ve set up a Windows VM with USB passthrough, and attempted to reverse-engineer the official drivers, As I was doing that, I also thought I’d message the vendor and ask them if they could share any specifications or docs regarding their protocol. To my surprise, Nanoleaf tech support responded to me within 4 hours, with a full description of the protocol that’s used both by the Desk Dock as well as their RGB strips.