Android’s Generic Kernel Image (GKI) initiative aims to decouple the Android Common Kernel from vendor-specific modifications, enabling a more modular and maintainable kernel ecosystem. A key enabler of this vision is the Driver Development Kit (DDK), which provides a structured environment and stable interfaces (via Kernel Module Interface - KMI) for building out-of-tree drivers that remain compatible across GKI updates.
This talk will explore the fundamentals and practicalities of using the Android GKI DDK to develop, test, and ship device drivers independently of the core kernel. We will cover how the DDK allows vendors to maintain kernel module compatibility over time, reduces friction during Android version upgrades, and improves security and update cadence.