misc_register()

Purpose

Registers a simple character device using the misc device framework.

Header

#include <linux/miscdevice.h>

Prototype

int misc_register(struct miscdevice *misc);

Parameters

• misc: initialized misc device structure.

Return Value

• Success: returns 0.
• Failure: returns a negative errno value.

Minimal Example

static struct miscdevice my_misc = {
    .minor = MISC_DYNAMIC_MINOR,
    .name = "mydev",
    .fops = &my_fops,
};

ret = misc_register(&my_misc);

Common Pitfalls

• Use misc_deregister() during cleanup.
• Good for simple single-node character devices.
• Use full cdev flow when you need more control over major/minor allocation.

Related Topics

• Kernel Driver