microsoft/ebpf-for-windows
Oct 2024 – Oct 2025
12 Months active
Languages Used
CC++BashPowerShellSQLShellXMLYAML
Technical Skills
Build SystemLow-Level ProgrammingRuntime DevelopmentBPFBranch ManagementBuild Automation
Alan Jowett
PROFILE
Alan Jowett
Alan Jones contributed to the microsoft/ebpf-for-windows repository by engineering core runtime, verification, and build system improvements that enhanced reliability, security, and developer productivity. He implemented features such as Proof of Verification signing for eBPF programs, cross-architecture CI/CD automation, and robust memory management, using C and C++ with extensive build scripting. Alan refactored APIs for safer concurrency, modernized the verifier, and introduced synchronization primitives to prevent race conditions. His work addressed both kernel and user-mode challenges, streamlined deployment with automated installer updates, and strengthened code loading security. These efforts resulted in a more stable, maintainable, and secure eBPF development platform.
Overall Statistics
Feature vs Bugs
75%Features
Repository Contributions
94Total
Bugs
13
Commits
94
Features
40
Lines of code
62,729
Activity Months12
Your Network
4179 people
Work History
October 2025
4 Commits • 3 Features
Oct 1, 2025Month: 2025-10 — Microsoft/ebpf-for-windows: Delivered key features and reliability improvements focusing on API simplification, test hygiene, and safety hardening. Highlights include eBPF Link API simplification, safer stress-test preparation, and stronger ELF validation and const-correctness for map helpers. These changes reduce operational risk, improve build/test reliability, and strengthen the toolchain for future enhancements.
4 Commits • 3 Features
Oct 1, 2025Month: 2025-10 — Microsoft/ebpf-for-windows: Delivered key features and reliability improvements focusing on API simplification, test hygiene, and safety hardening. Highlights include eBPF Link API simplification, safer stress-test preparation, and stronger ELF validation and const-correctness for map helpers. These changes reduce operational risk, improve build/test reliability, and strengthen the toolchain for future enhancements.
October 2025
September 2025
6 Commits • 3 Features
Sep 1, 2025Concise monthly summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows (September 2025). Delivered key concurrency, reliability, and lifecycle improvements to the eBPF path with a focus on stability, maintainability, and CI robustness. The changes reduce runtime risk, improve test reliability, and preserve program attachments through legacy support while simplifying integration with downstream tooling.
September 2025
6 Commits • 3 Features
Sep 1, 2025Concise monthly summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows (September 2025). Delivered key concurrency, reliability, and lifecycle improvements to the eBPF path with a focus on stability, maintainability, and CI robustness. The changes reduce runtime risk, improve test reliability, and preserve program attachments through legacy support while simplifying integration with downstream tooling.
August 2025
3 Commits • 2 Features
Aug 1, 2025August 2025 monthly summary: Strengthened safety and reliability in microsoft/ebpf-for-windows by hardening memory API consistency, introducing user-space synchronization for eBPF programs, and updating the Windows toolchain to the latest WDK/SDK with a Driver Catalog workaround. These changes reduce race conditions in map updates, improve verifier/API consistency, and ensure compatibility with future toolchains, enhancing developer productivity and deployment stability.
3 Commits • 2 Features
Aug 1, 2025August 2025 monthly summary: Strengthened safety and reliability in microsoft/ebpf-for-windows by hardening memory API consistency, introducing user-space synchronization for eBPF programs, and updating the Windows toolchain to the latest WDK/SDK with a Driver Catalog workaround. These changes reduce race conditions in map updates, improve verifier/API consistency, and ensure compatibility with future toolchains, enhancing developer productivity and deployment stability.
August 2025
July 2025
3 Commits • 2 Features
Jul 1, 2025July 2025 (microsoft/ebpf-for-windows) focused on build reliability and security hardening for code loading and verification, delivering targeted improvements with clear business value. Key outcomes stabilize the build and strengthen trust policies, reducing risk in CI/CD and runtime code loading. Key features delivered: - Self-contained bpf2c build with explicit NuGet dependency restoration, improving build self-sufficiency and reliability (commit 9a6fe6d6556d1ce6e0e2dd5fd135549910d73646). - Enhanced code loading security: GUID-based module IDs with time-based cleanup for authorized entries, plus tightened verification policies (security hardening; tests updated). Commits supporting this work include removal of module hashes after verification (commit f2bae875264d495ccb0271e480ac9b958821439f) and enforcement of Microsoft Corporation eBPF Verification issuer and EKU (commit 4ceeabf98ad2799bb62a43ca3bd0bcef8b779a3f). Overall impact: - Build reliability and offline/self-contained capability reduced CI fragility and supply-chain risk. - Stronger trust model for code loading and eBPF verification, lowering attack surface and improving compliance with corporate security requirements. Technologies/skills demonstrated: - Build scripting and NuGet dependency management for self-contained tools. - GUIDs for module identity and time-based cleanup strategies. - eBPF verification policy enforcement (issuer/EKU) and associated test updates. - Security-focused testing and verification workflows.
July 2025
3 Commits • 2 Features
Jul 1, 2025July 2025 (microsoft/ebpf-for-windows) focused on build reliability and security hardening for code loading and verification, delivering targeted improvements with clear business value. Key outcomes stabilize the build and strengthen trust policies, reducing risk in CI/CD and runtime code loading. Key features delivered: - Self-contained bpf2c build with explicit NuGet dependency restoration, improving build self-sufficiency and reliability (commit 9a6fe6d6556d1ce6e0e2dd5fd135549910d73646). - Enhanced code loading security: GUID-based module IDs with time-based cleanup for authorized entries, plus tightened verification policies (security hardening; tests updated). Commits supporting this work include removal of module hashes after verification (commit f2bae875264d495ccb0271e480ac9b958821439f) and enforcement of Microsoft Corporation eBPF Verification issuer and EKU (commit 4ceeabf98ad2799bb62a43ca3bd0bcef8b779a3f). Overall impact: - Build reliability and offline/self-contained capability reduced CI fragility and supply-chain risk. - Stronger trust model for code loading and eBPF verification, lowering attack surface and improving compliance with corporate security requirements. Technologies/skills demonstrated: - Build scripting and NuGet dependency management for self-contained tools. - GUIDs for module identity and time-based cleanup strategies. - eBPF verification policy enforcement (issuer/EKU) and associated test updates. - Security-focused testing and verification workflows.
June 2025
10 Commits • 8 Features
Jun 1, 2025June 2025 focused on security, reliability, and developer experience improvements for the ebpf-for-windows project. Key outcomes include implementing a Proof of Verification signing flow for eBPF programs, hashing-based integrity checks with centralized authorization for native modules, simplifying deployment by always installing ebpfsvc, hardening CI/CD with Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity for native tests, and refining build artifacts and toolchain compatibility to improve consistency and accessibility of signed outputs. These efforts reduce runtime risk, tighten trust boundaries, and streamline release pipelines across Windows environments.
10 Commits • 8 Features
Jun 1, 2025June 2025 focused on security, reliability, and developer experience improvements for the ebpf-for-windows project. Key outcomes include implementing a Proof of Verification signing flow for eBPF programs, hashing-based integrity checks with centralized authorization for native modules, simplifying deployment by always installing ebpfsvc, hardening CI/CD with Hypervisor-Protected Code Integrity for native tests, and refining build artifacts and toolchain compatibility to improve consistency and accessibility of signed outputs. These efforts reduce runtime risk, tighten trust boundaries, and streamline release pipelines across Windows environments.
June 2025
May 2025
5 Commits • 2 Features
May 1, 2025May 2025 performance summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows focused on verifier modernization, cross-architecture CI enhancements, and stability improvements. Key outcomes include upgrading the eBPF verifier to the latest upstream with a namespace-consistent refactor and a centralized default verifier options API to streamline configuration; expanding CI and testing for Arm64, including building Arm64 binaries on Arm64 runners and adding Arm64 unit tests; and hardening stress-test stability by ensuring links are detached/closed only if they exist, reducing crashes under load.
May 2025
5 Commits • 2 Features
May 1, 2025May 2025 performance summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows focused on verifier modernization, cross-architecture CI enhancements, and stability improvements. Key outcomes include upgrading the eBPF verifier to the latest upstream with a namespace-consistent refactor and a centralized default verifier options API to streamline configuration; expanding CI and testing for Arm64, including building Arm64 binaries on Arm64 runners and adding Arm64 unit tests; and hardening stress-test stability by ensuring links are detached/closed only if they exist, reducing crashes under load.
April 2025
5 Commits • 3 Features
Apr 1, 2025Monthly summary for 2025-04 focusing on developer contributions to microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. In April, three features and one bug fix were delivered, driving business value through improved verification reliability, debugging capability, and build tooling compatibility. Key outcomes include upgrading ebpf-verifier to the latest version with loop handling fixes, capturing native module path during client attachment for enhanced debugging, updating Windows build environment (WDK/SDK) to the latest versions, and fixing cleanup of map subscriptions on async IOCTL failures to prevent resource leaks. These changes reduce debugging time, improve runtime stability, and streamline future development with updated toolchains.
5 Commits • 3 Features
Apr 1, 2025Monthly summary for 2025-04 focusing on developer contributions to microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. In April, three features and one bug fix were delivered, driving business value through improved verification reliability, debugging capability, and build tooling compatibility. Key outcomes include upgrading ebpf-verifier to the latest version with loop handling fixes, capturing native module path during client attachment for enhanced debugging, updating Windows build environment (WDK/SDK) to the latest versions, and fixing cleanup of map subscriptions on async IOCTL failures to prevent resource leaks. These changes reduce debugging time, improve runtime stability, and streamline future development with updated toolchains.
April 2025
February 2025
16 Commits • 6 Features
Feb 1, 2025February 2025 highlights a focused set of reliability, maintainability, and developer productivity improvements for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. Delivered tangible business value by hardening the codebase, expanding capabilities for eBPF programs, and stabilizing the build and test infrastructure to enable safer production deployments and faster iteration cycles.
February 2025
16 Commits • 6 Features
Feb 1, 2025February 2025 highlights a focused set of reliability, maintainability, and developer productivity improvements for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. Delivered tangible business value by hardening the codebase, expanding capabilities for eBPF programs, and stabilizing the build and test infrastructure to enable safer production deployments and faster iteration cycles.
January 2025
9 Commits • 2 Features
Jan 1, 2025January 2025 performance summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. Key features delivered include cross-architecture ARM64 CI/CD support with unit tests and native builds, updated CI workflows to iterate across architectures, andARM64 compatibility across pipelines; eBPF tooling and debugging enhancements such as improved null map pointer handling, a new verbose mode in bpf2c, and stronger stackwalking and link-type handling; and installer robustness improvements ensuring uninstall by MSI product code. Major bugs fixed include upgrading the eBPF Verifier to the latest version with API contract alignment and test compatibility, and stability adjustments in tests; and improvements to the installer uninstallation flow. Overall impact: faster, more reliable releases with reduced cross-architecture risk, enhanced runtime observability and debugging, and more robust deployment processes. Technologies/skills demonstrated: CI/CD automation, ARM64 development, eBPF tooling and verifier integration, stack unwinding and linker-tuning for debugging, and MSI-based installer management.
9 Commits • 2 Features
Jan 1, 2025January 2025 performance summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. Key features delivered include cross-architecture ARM64 CI/CD support with unit tests and native builds, updated CI workflows to iterate across architectures, andARM64 compatibility across pipelines; eBPF tooling and debugging enhancements such as improved null map pointer handling, a new verbose mode in bpf2c, and stronger stackwalking and link-type handling; and installer robustness improvements ensuring uninstall by MSI product code. Major bugs fixed include upgrading the eBPF Verifier to the latest version with API contract alignment and test compatibility, and stability adjustments in tests; and improvements to the installer uninstallation flow. Overall impact: faster, more reliable releases with reduced cross-architecture risk, enhanced runtime observability and debugging, and more robust deployment processes. Technologies/skills demonstrated: CI/CD automation, ARM64 development, eBPF tooling and verifier integration, stack unwinding and linker-tuning for debugging, and MSI-based installer management.
January 2025
December 2024
18 Commits • 5 Features
Dec 1, 2024December 2024 (2024-12) monthly summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. This period delivered stability and performance enhancements across the eBPF runtime, with clear business value: more reliable program execution, faster instrumentation, and streamlined Windows driver tooling and fuzzing workflows. Key outcomes include: fixes to memory reference counting and map-release safety; new timing helpers for quick boot-time measurements; lifecycle management for the pinning table with fuzzing integration; ring buffer producer optimizations to reduce contention; and automation of WDK version updates with improved fuzzing tooling. Collectively, these changes improved runtime stability, measurement accuracy, throughput potential, and maintenance efficiency across CI, fuzzing, and driver integration. Technologies demonstrated include low-level memory management, concurrency optimization, performance instrumentation, cross-platform CI/CD, and Windows driver tooling.
December 2024
18 Commits • 5 Features
Dec 1, 2024December 2024 (2024-12) monthly summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. This period delivered stability and performance enhancements across the eBPF runtime, with clear business value: more reliable program execution, faster instrumentation, and streamlined Windows driver tooling and fuzzing workflows. Key outcomes include: fixes to memory reference counting and map-release safety; new timing helpers for quick boot-time measurements; lifecycle management for the pinning table with fuzzing integration; ring buffer producer optimizations to reduce contention; and automation of WDK version updates with improved fuzzing tooling. Collectively, these changes improved runtime stability, measurement accuracy, throughput potential, and maintenance efficiency across CI, fuzzing, and driver integration. Technologies demonstrated include low-level memory management, concurrency optimization, performance instrumentation, cross-platform CI/CD, and Windows driver tooling.
November 2024
14 Commits • 4 Features
Nov 1, 2024November 2024 — microsoft/ebpf-for-windows Overview: The month delivered end-to-end improvements across fuzz testing, CI/CD modernization, runtime performance, and build reliability. The work enhances product robustness, reduces maintenance overhead, and accelerates release cycles by catching performance regressions earlier and ensuring consistent builds across environments. Key outcomes: - Fuzz Testing Pipeline on Main and UBPF Fuzzer Integration: introduced fuzzing routing to the main branch and added UBPF fuzzer support to enable continuous fuzz testing and robustness checks. - CI/CD and Build System Modernization: modernized build and CI workflow with WDK NuGet packages, OneBranch NuGet config, removal of obsolete netperf upload, and Clang compatibility checks for generated bpf2c code. - Performance Optimizations in eBPF Runtime: implemented a suite of optimizations across the eBPF runtime (locking, cache-aligned memory, time-query improvements, and prefetching) to reduce overhead in critical paths. - Bug Fix: Build Path Formatting in PowerShell Scripts: standardized PowerShell build path construction using a new FormatBinDir helper to address directory path formatting issues. - CI Performance Regression Checks and Artifact Uploads: added a pipeline step to run a SQL-based performance regression check and upload the results as an artifact for easier analysis. Impact: - Improved release reliability and faster feedback loops through continuous fuzz testing and regression artifact uploads. - Reduced build instability and improved cross-environment consistency with standardized NuGet usage and OneBranch configuration. - Notable runtime performance gains in critical eBPF paths, contributing to lower latency and higher throughput for kernel-mode workloads. Technologies/Skills Demonstrated: - Windows kernel eBPF stack, fuzz testing, CI/CD modernization, and build automation. - Clang-based validation for generated code, NuGet-based dependency management, and OneBranch deployment patterns. - Low-level performance tuning (locking optimization, cache alignment, epoch memory, LRU improvements) and/ or kernel synchronization patterns. Top 3-5 achievements (highlights): - Fuzz Testing Pipeline on Main and UBPF Fuzzer Integration deployed (commits 3f083c64 and f3d92f51). - CI/CD and Build System Modernization completed (commits 0a14ab3c, 98f00df5, 50df22fb, c5140006). - eBPF Runtime performance optimizations implemented (commits 3bdeb43e, f1b2c0fb, 0a7fddd, fecb35a, 8fd066b0, 5f5c4518). - Build path formatting bug fix in PowerShell scripts (commit ae6eff0b). - SQL-based performance regression checks added with artifact uploads (commit ae04b0bd).
14 Commits • 4 Features
Nov 1, 2024November 2024 — microsoft/ebpf-for-windows Overview: The month delivered end-to-end improvements across fuzz testing, CI/CD modernization, runtime performance, and build reliability. The work enhances product robustness, reduces maintenance overhead, and accelerates release cycles by catching performance regressions earlier and ensuring consistent builds across environments. Key outcomes: - Fuzz Testing Pipeline on Main and UBPF Fuzzer Integration: introduced fuzzing routing to the main branch and added UBPF fuzzer support to enable continuous fuzz testing and robustness checks. - CI/CD and Build System Modernization: modernized build and CI workflow with WDK NuGet packages, OneBranch NuGet config, removal of obsolete netperf upload, and Clang compatibility checks for generated bpf2c code. - Performance Optimizations in eBPF Runtime: implemented a suite of optimizations across the eBPF runtime (locking, cache-aligned memory, time-query improvements, and prefetching) to reduce overhead in critical paths. - Bug Fix: Build Path Formatting in PowerShell Scripts: standardized PowerShell build path construction using a new FormatBinDir helper to address directory path formatting issues. - CI Performance Regression Checks and Artifact Uploads: added a pipeline step to run a SQL-based performance regression check and upload the results as an artifact for easier analysis. Impact: - Improved release reliability and faster feedback loops through continuous fuzz testing and regression artifact uploads. - Reduced build instability and improved cross-environment consistency with standardized NuGet usage and OneBranch configuration. - Notable runtime performance gains in critical eBPF paths, contributing to lower latency and higher throughput for kernel-mode workloads. Technologies/Skills Demonstrated: - Windows kernel eBPF stack, fuzz testing, CI/CD modernization, and build automation. - Clang-based validation for generated code, NuGet-based dependency management, and OneBranch deployment patterns. - Low-level performance tuning (locking optimization, cache alignment, epoch memory, LRU improvements) and/ or kernel synchronization patterns. Top 3-5 achievements (highlights): - Fuzz Testing Pipeline on Main and UBPF Fuzzer Integration deployed (commits 3f083c64 and f3d92f51). - CI/CD and Build System Modernization completed (commits 0a14ab3c, 98f00df5, 50df22fb, c5140006). - eBPF Runtime performance optimizations implemented (commits 3bdeb43e, f1b2c0fb, 0a7fddd, fecb35a, 8fd066b0, 5f5c4518). - Build path formatting bug fix in PowerShell scripts (commit ae6eff0b). - SQL-based performance regression checks added with artifact uploads (commit ae04b0bd).
November 2024
October 2024
1 Commits
Oct 1, 2024October 2024 monthly summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. Focused on stabilizing the CPU-number retrieval path and aligning the build configuration with cxplat. Implemented a refactor in ebpf_get_current_cpu to call cxplat_get_current_processor_number directly and updated the build configuration to use the cxplat library. This reduces runtime failures related to CPU-number retrieval and simplifies maintenance by consolidating on a single API path. No new features were shipped this month, but the bug fix significantly improves runtime reliability for ebpf programs across Windows deployments. Key outcomes include improved stability of CPU-number retrieval, fewer failure modes in the ebpf execution path, and smoother contributor onboarding due to clear API usage and build configuration. Technologies demonstrated include C/C++ refactoring, API integration, and build system changes. Business value: higher reliability for customer workloads, reduced debugging time, and more predictable performance for Windows-based ebpf workloads.
October 2024
1 Commits
Oct 1, 2024October 2024 monthly summary for microsoft/ebpf-for-windows. Focused on stabilizing the CPU-number retrieval path and aligning the build configuration with cxplat. Implemented a refactor in ebpf_get_current_cpu to call cxplat_get_current_processor_number directly and updated the build configuration to use the cxplat library. This reduces runtime failures related to CPU-number retrieval and simplifies maintenance by consolidating on a single API path. No new features were shipped this month, but the bug fix significantly improves runtime reliability for ebpf programs across Windows deployments. Key outcomes include improved stability of CPU-number retrieval, fewer failure modes in the ebpf execution path, and smoother contributor onboarding due to clear API usage and build configuration. Technologies demonstrated include C/C++ refactoring, API integration, and build system changes. Business value: higher reliability for customer workloads, reduced debugging time, and more predictable performance for Windows-based ebpf workloads.
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Quality Metrics
Correctness89.0%
Maintainability87.6%
Architecture86.0%
Performance79.2%
AI Usage20.8%
Skills & Technologies
Programming Languages
AssemblyBashCC++IDLJSONMarkdownPowerShellSQLShell
Technical Skills
API DesignAPI DevelopmentARM64ARM64 ArchitectureAzure DevOpsBPFBranch ManagementBug FixingBuild AutomationBuild ConfigurationBuild EngineeringBuild ScriptingBuild SystemBuild System ConfigurationBuild System Integration
Repositories Contributed To
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