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🔧 KernelCoder

A next-gen interactive learning platform for low-level programming and systems fundamentals. Part of the cybersecurity skill building module by DeepNet


🧠 Overview

KernelCoder is an interactive, web-based training ground for learning how computers actually work — from the bare metal up. Inspired by Codecademy, but purpose-built for aspiring hackers, system programmers, reverse engineers, and OS hobbyists.

Tagline: "Learn from the bottom up. Code from the core."

✨ Selling Points

✅ Hands-on from the first minute 🧠 Learn why it works, not just what to type 🔒 Safe command sandbox – practice without fear
⚙️ Languages covered: Bash, C, Assembly (with more coming) 🧑‍💻 For future hackers, engineers & makers

🎯 Project Goals

  • ✅ Demystify low-level programming concepts through hands-on exploration
  • ✅ Provide an intuitive, gamified learning experience
  • ✅ Build secure, sandboxed environments for code execution
  • ✅ Support multiple learning paths (Assembly, C, reverse engineering, OS dev)
  • ✅ Offer immediate feedback, progression tracking, and community features

📚 Learning Tracks (WIP)

Each track contains interactive modules and challenge-based progression:

🧱 Track 1: Understanding the Machine

  • Binary & Hex
  • Memory layout: Stack vs Heap
  • CPU architecture, buses, and I/O
  • Assembly language (x86, NASM)

⚙️ Track 2: Systems Programming in C

  • Pointers and manual memory management
  • File I/O and system calls
  • Building your own shell

🧵 Track 3: OS From Scratch

  • Bootloaders and kernels
  • Interrupts and drivers
  • Displaying text via memory-mapped I/O

🔍 Track 4: Reverse Engineering & Exploitation

  • GDB, objdump, strace
  • Buffer overflows and mitigations
  • Writing simple exploits in C

🛠️ Tech Stack

This project emphasizes security, scalability, and interactivity without using <canvas>.

📦 Backend

  • Node.js or FastAPI (Python) – Core API
  • Docker – Code execution sandboxes (user-isolated)
  • PostgreSQL – User data, progress tracking
  • Redis – Session/cache management

🧑‍💻 Frontend

  • React (Vite or Next.js) – Dynamic interface
  • TailwindCSS – Clean, responsive design
  • Monaco Editor – VSCode-like code input with syntax highlighting
  • xterm.js (optional) – Terminal emulation for interactive shell tasks

🔎 Code Execution & Grading

  • Containerized execution environments:
    • GCC for C tasks
    • NASM/YASM for x86 assembly
  • Python grading scripts for validating output and memory usage
  • In-browser syntax + compile error feedback

📦 Optional Tools

  • WebAssembly (WASM) – Run limited local code in-browser for intro modules
  • GitHub OAuth / Firebase – Authentication (for MVP)

🚦 Project Phases

Phase 1: MVP

  • Static lessons and code editor (no login needed)
  • Code validation via output matching
  • Markdown-based lesson engine
  • Basic C & ASM challenge bank

Phase 2: Auth + User Profiles

  • Save progress, XP system, levels
  • Personal dashboard with completed challenges
  • Leaderboards and community challenge creation

Phase 3: Advanced Interactivity

  • Embedded terminal interface
  • Full sandbox environment for kernel/bootloader projects
  • Visual stack/heap/memory map diagrams (DOM/SVG based)

🔐 Security Considerations

  • All code runs in isolated containers with resource/time limits
  • Rate-limiting on code execution
  • Sanitized input/output logging
  • File access restrictions for all challenges

🚧 Status

🚀 Early Planning Stage
✅ Tech stack defined
🔜 Prototyping playground and lesson engine


💬 Contributing

Have an idea for a challenge or lesson? Want to help build the playground?

We welcome contributors with backgrounds in:

  • Systems Programming (C, Rust, Assembly)
  • Web Dev (React, Tailwind, WebAssembly)
  • Security / Sandbox architecture
  • Content writing for technical education

[[email protected]] — Reach out to collaborate!


📎 License

MIT License — use, fork, learn, remix.


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