Before being able to compile the kernel, we need to properly configure it. Every device in the Android repository has a specific branch with a specific kernel with a specific configuration to be applied.

The table on page 2 has a column with the exact information we need—Build configuration. This information represents the parameter we need to properly configure the kernel build system. Let's configure everything for our Google Nexus 6. In your terminal, launch the following command:

$ make shamu_defconfig

This command will create a kernel configuration specific for your device. The following screenshot shows the command running and the final success message:

Once the .config file is in place, you could already build the kernel, using the default configuration. As advanced users, we want more and that's why we will take full control of the system, digging into the kernel configuration. Editing the configuration could enable missing features or disable unneeded hardware...