ENUM SYSTEM_STATES(9)

💖 NAME 💖

okay bestie, welcome to the enum system_states(9) page 🌸 this is the enum of values used for system_state — literally the "what phase is the kernel in rn" vibe check. periodt.

✨ SYNOPSIS ✨

enum system_states {
    SYSTEM_BOOTING ,
    SYSTEM_SCHEDULING ,
    SYSTEM_FREEING_INITMEM ,
    SYSTEM_RUNNING ,
    SYSTEM_HALT ,
    SYSTEM_POWER_OFF ,
    SYSTEM_RESTART ,
    SYSTEM_SUSPEND

};

🎀 Constants 🎀

• SYSTEM_BOOTING — 0, no init needed 👶
• SYSTEM_SCHEDULING — system is ready for scheduling; OK to use RCU ✨ she's awake and ready to run things
• SYSTEM_FREEING_INITMEM — system is freeing all of initmem; almost running 😭 so close bestie
• SYSTEM_RUNNING — system is up and running 👑 main character energy
• SYSTEM_HALT — system entered clean system halt state 🫶 peaceful exit vibes
• SYSTEM_POWER_OFF — system entered shutdown/clean power off state 💅 lights out, iconic
• SYSTEM_RESTART — system entered emergency power off or normal restart 🔥 plot twist era
• SYSTEM_SUSPEND — system entered suspend or hibernate state 🧚 nap time fr fr

⚠️ Note ⚠️

bestie do NOT reorder these states, okay? 😭 The ordering of the states must not be changed as code checks for <, <=, >, >= STATE. Like the comparisons are literally built on this order. no cap 🫶

🦋 SEE ALSO 🦋

Kernel file ./include/linux/kernel.h: might_sleep(9), cant_sleep(9), cant_migrate(9), non_block_start(9), non_block_end(9) 💜 go read those too, iykyk.

mwah 💋 signed off from ./include/linux, October 2026 edition, for the enum system_states(9) manual — slay and stay ordered ✨