Explore Microsoft's Project Mu BaseCore: A Deep Dive for Developers

Are you a developer interested in contributing to cutting-edge open-source projects? Dive into Microsoft's Project Mu BaseCore, a foundational element for building modern, secure, and robust systems. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of the BaseCore repository, including its structure, functionalities, and how you can get involved. Let's explore!

What is Project Mu BaseCore?

Project Mu is a modular, open-source UEFI core based on the TianoCore EDKII project. BaseCore is a specific repository within Project Mu that serves as the foundation for building secure and reliable firmware. It focuses on providing a clean, modern codebase that's easier to maintain and extend. Find out more about the overall project at the Project Mu website.

Understanding The Repository Structure

The mu_basecore repository on GitHub is organized into several key directories:

• .azurepipelines: Contains configuration files for Azure Pipelines, which automates the build and test process.
• .config: Holds configuration settings for the project, such as editor settings.
• .devcontainer: Includes configurations for developing within a Docker container, simplifying development environment setup.
• .github: Contains GitHub-specific configurations, like issue templates and contribution guidelines.
• BaseTools: Offers essential tools for building and working with the BaseCore.

Licensing Information: What You Need to Know

Before you start contributing, understanding the licensing is critical. The mu_basecore project uses a dual licensing approach:

• BSD-2-Clause-Patent: This is the primary license under which Microsoft distributes the code. It allows for flexibility in how the code is used and redistributed while including a patent grant.
• TianoCore License: The upstream TianoCore code also falls under a BSD-2-Clause-Patent license, ensuring compatibility and clear usage rights.

Be sure to review License.txt and License-History.txt for complete details.

Key Features and Components

Project Mu BaseCore includes several notable features and components:

• Modern Codebase: Designed for improved maintainability and extensibility compared to traditional UEFI implementations.
• Security Focus: Incorporates security best practices to protect against firmware-level attacks.
• Modular Design: Allows developers to select and integrate specific components as needed, reducing bloat and complexity.
• Comprehensive Testing: Automated builds, tests, and code coverage analysis ensure code quality and reliability.

Branch Status and Recent Changes (release/202311)

The release/202311 branch is currently in development, with an anticipated stabilization date in February 2024. Here's a snapshot of recent changes:

• Breaking Changes-dev: (Incomplete - check the repository for ongoing updates)
• Main Changes-dev: Includes features like BPDT installation in the config table, granular variable policy querying, AP initialization enhancements, MbedTLS integration, and more.
• Bug Fixes-dev: Addresses issues in MbedTLS and optimizations in device path handling.

Contributing to Project Mu BaseCore: How to Get Involved

Want to contribute? Here’s how:

• Code of Conduct: Adhere to the Microsoft Open Source Code of Conduct to ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Contributions: Open issues in the Project Mu GitHub tracker to report bugs, suggest enhancements, or propose new features.
• Documentation: Refer to the contributing guidelines for detailed instructions on how to contribute effectively.

Build, Test, and Coverage Status

Stay informed about the project's health through the build, test, and coverage status badges. These provide real-time insights into the stability and quality of the codebase:

• Windows (VS2022): Build, test, and coverage status are displayed using Azure DevOps badges.
• Ubuntu (GCC5): Similar status badges provide insights into the Ubuntu build environment.

These badges link directly to the Azure DevOps pipelines and test results, offering detailed information on any failures or issues.

Getting Started with Project Mu BaseCore

Ready to dive in? Here's how to get started:

1. Explore the Repository: Familiarize yourself with the directory structure, key files, and documentation.
2. Set Up Your Environment: Use the provided .devcontainer configuration to create a consistent development environment.
3. Review the Documentation: Read the RepoDetails.md file for in-depth information about the repository.
4. Contribute: Identify areas where you can contribute, whether it's fixing bugs, improving documentation, or adding new features.

By understanding these components and guidelines, developers can effectively contribute to Project Mu BaseCore and help shape the future of secure, modern firmware.