How to recompile just a single kernel module?

Question

Usually kernel source are stored in /usr/src/linux-2.6.x/. To avoid to recompile the entire kernel if I modify a module\'s source, how can I recompile just that mod

Answer 1

Switch to the root directory of your source tree and run the following command:

$ make modules SUBDIRS=drivers/the_module_directory

And to install the compiled module:

$ make modules_install SUBDIRS=drivers/the_module_directory

Note: As lunakid mentions, the latter command might not build the module first, so be careful.