Decompiling the GPL violated Linux kernel using Evolutionary Algorithms

Summary

TLDR: We want to decompile a binary code, into the byte equivalent C code. We look at this from an optimization viewpoint. We have a generated C code(or AST) and we want to optimize it so when we compile it, it is equivalent to the binary code, byte by byte. And I think it’s better to use a population based optimization metaheuristic to do this. Such as Genetic Programming.Requirements to understand this postThe idea I’m writing about is very deep. You need to know the current problem we have about companies violating GPL and not releasing the Linux kernel source code used in their devices. Then you need to know what an Algorithm is. What a Heuristic is. And what is the difference between them. And you also need to know what an optimization problem is. And what is our goal in these problems. After that, you need to know in this very specific optimization problem, we are not looking for “good enough” solutions unlike most other optimization problems. We are rather looking for the “perfect” solution, if we can find one.BackstoryNote: If you know about GPL violation which happens by not releasing the kernel source code, then you can skip this part.Linux, the kernel, has been spread like a virus. Various hardware companies around the globe need a software to talk to their hardware and then provide APIs for the higher level programs. So their hardware can be of use. This includes mobile phone and tablet manufacturers. Android has become the de facto standard Operating System for a vast majority of mobiles and tablets. And Android works with the Linux system calls. The only kernel which is usable and provides these system calls, is Linux itself. So manufacturers take Linux, do a small amount of work to add support for their devices, and then they can be usable.Linux is free and open source software with a very mature ecosystem. And by free, I mean both in the sense that it’s libre and that it’s zero cost(for them). It’s a great choice for companies so they won’t need to w...