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Linux Systems Programming

The Linux family of operating systems is one of the most popular platforms to deploy modern applications on. This course will teach you how to interact with Linux operating systems in the C programming language.

Whether you are writing an ultra-low latency trading algorithm for a high frequency trading firm, device drivers for an embedded system, or anything in between, modern software applications will often be developed on the Linux operating system. In this course, Linux Systems Programming, you'll learn how to interact with various aspects of the Linux operating system when developing software in the C programming language. First, you’ll explore how to create, read, and write files and directories through a variety of different means. Next, you’ll discover how to interact with the inputs and outputs of Linux software, such as command line arguments, environment variables, pipes, and signals. Finally, you’ll learn how to control access to files and directories through permissions and user accounts. When you’re finished with this course, you’ll have the skills and knowledge of Linux systems programming with the C programming language to confidently develop C-based applications on Linux operating systems in addition to a more wholistic understanding of how the Linux operating system functions.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Course Overview

Accessing Files

Managing Files and Directories

The Command Line, the Environment, and Time

Processes and Pipes

Controlling Access, Identity, and Permissions

Mastering Signals

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Develops skills and knowledge that are core for developing applications on the Linux operating system

Develops skills and knowledge that are highly relevant to software development and engineering

Useful for personal growth for learners of all skill levels

Taught by recognized experts in Linux systems programming

Covers operating system fundamentals that are universal across industries

Taught by Christopher Hart, who has experience in teaching Linux systems programming

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Linux Systems Programming with these activities:

Review your notes from the course on Linux systems programming

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Refresh your memory on the key concepts covered in the course.

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Gather your notes from the course.
Review the notes and make sure you understand the concepts.
Make a note of any questions or areas where you need clarification.

Attend a Linux user group meeting

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Connect with other Linux enthusiasts and learn from their experiences.

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Find a local Linux user group.
Attend a meeting.
Introduce yourself and share your interests.
Participate in discussions.

Solve a series of exercises to practice using different Linux system calls

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Gain proficiency in using Linux system calls through regular practice.

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Find a set of exercises or problems that focus on using Linux system calls.
Solve the exercises or problems.
Check your solutions against the expected output.

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Practice using file operations on the command line

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Reinforce your understanding of file operations by practicing on the command line.

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Create a new directory.
Create a new file in the directory.
Write some text to the file.
Read the text from the file and display it on the screen.
Delete the file and directory.

Follow a tutorial on writing device drivers in Linux

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Develop the skills necessary to write your own device drivers for Linux systems.

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Find a tutorial on writing device drivers for Linux.
Follow the tutorial step-by-step.
Write your own simple device driver.
Test your device driver.

Contribute to a Linux open source project

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Make a valuable contribution to the Linux community while enhancing your skills.

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Find an open source Linux project that interests you.
Identify an area where you can contribute.
Make your contribution.
Submit your contribution for review.

Write a blog post about a challenging concept in Linux systems programming

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Deepen your understanding of a challenging concept by writing a blog post about it.

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Choose a challenging concept in Linux systems programming.
Research the concept thoroughly.
Write a blog post that explains the concept clearly and concisely.
Publish your blog post.

Design and implement a system to monitor system resources on a Linux server

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Apply your knowledge of Linux systems programming to solve a real-world problem.

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Define the requirements for the system.
Design the system architecture.
Implement the system.
Test the system.
Deploy the system on a Linux server.

Career center

Learners who complete Linux Systems Programming will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and maintain software applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create applications that meet the needs of users. Software Developers must have a strong understanding of both software development and the programming languages and tools they use. This course helps equip Software Developers with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. The focus on Linux operating systems and the C programming language provides foundational skills that are highly applicable to software development work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Developer

Web Developer

Web Developers design, develop, and maintain websites and web applications. They work with a variety of programming languages and tools to create websites and applications that meet the needs of users. Web Developers must have a strong understanding of both web development and the programming languages and tools they use. This course helps equip Web Developers with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. The focus on Linux operating systems and the C programming language provides foundational skills that are highly applicable to web development work.

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Software Architect

Software Architects design and develop software systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders to define the requirements for software systems and to ensure that the systems are designed and developed to meet those requirements. Software Architects must have a strong understanding of both software development and architecture, as well as a variety of programming languages and tools. This course helps equip Software Architects with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. The focus on Linux operating systems and the C programming language provides foundational skills that are highly applicable to software architecture work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Software Architect

Security Analyst

Security Analysts design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work to ensure that information is kept confidential, integrity is maintained, and availability is assured. Security Analysts must have a strong understanding of both security and networking, as well as a variety of tools and technologies. This course helps equip Security Analysts with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. The focus on C programming skills can help prepare learners to work with security tools written in C.

See salaries and explore the career path for Security Analyst

Operating Systems Engineer

Operating Systems Engineers design, implement, and maintain operating systems. They work with a variety of tools and technologies to ensure that operating systems are reliable, secure, and efficient. Operating Systems Engineers must have a strong understanding of operating systems, as well as a variety of programming languages and tools. This course helps equip Operating Systems Engineers with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. Through hands-on experience with Linux operating systems and the C programming language, students develop foundational skills that are highly applicable to operating systems work.

See salaries and explore the career path for Operating Systems Engineer

Network Administrator

Network Administrators design, implement, and maintain computer networks. They work to ensure that networks are reliable, secure, and efficient. Network Administrators must have a strong understanding of networking technologies, as well as a variety of tools and technologies. This course helps equip Network Administrators with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. Through hands-on experience with Linux operating systems and the C programming language, students develop foundational skills that are highly applicable to network administration work.

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IT Manager

IT Managers oversee the planning, implementation, and maintenance of computer systems and networks. They work with a variety of stakeholders to ensure that IT systems meet the needs of the organization. IT Managers must have a strong understanding of both IT and business, as well as a variety of tools and technologies. This course helps equip IT Managers with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles. By gaining experience with Linux operating systems and the C programming language, students taking this course develop foundational skills that are highly applicable to IT work.

See salaries and explore the career path for IT Manager

Information Security Analyst

Information Security Analysts design, implement, and maintain security measures to protect computer systems and networks from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. They work to ensure that information is kept confidential, integrity is maintained, and availability is assured. Information Security Analysts must have a strong understanding of both security and networking, as well as a variety of tools and technologies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Information Security Analyst

Game Developer

Game Developers design, develop, and maintain video games. They work with a variety of tools and technologies to create games that are fun, engaging, and visually appealing. Linux is a popular operating system for game development, as it is free and open source, and it supports a wide variety of programming languages and game development tools. By taking this course, Game Developers can develop a deeper understanding of Linux and its features, which will allow them to create better games.

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Computer Hardware Engineer

Computer Hardware Engineers research, design, develop, and test computer systems and components. They combine knowledge of electrical engineering and computer science to create hardware solutions for a variety of applications. Many Computer Hardware Engineers specialize in a particular type of hardware, such as processors, memory, or storage devices. This course is a valuable tool for Computer Hardware Engineers as it helps them develop a deeper understanding of the Linux operating system, which is widely used in embedded systems and other hardware devices. The course's focus on file management, memory management, and resource management is also highly relevant to the work of Computer Hardware Engineers.

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Back-End Developer

Back-End Developers create and manage computer systems and software for websites and applications. They design, develop, deploy, and maintain the web services that power a site or application, including web pages, databases, servers, and APIs. This course teaches students how to interact with Linux operating systems in the C programming language. By gaining experience with the C language, students develop foundational skills that are highly applicable to back-end development. The course also promotes mastery of file management, memory management, and resource management, which are essential to back-end work.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers design, develop, and maintain embedded systems. Embedded systems are computer systems that are designed to be part of a larger system, such as a car or a medical device. Embedded Systems Engineers must have a strong understanding of both hardware and software, as well as the ability to work with a variety of tools and technologies. Linux is widely used in embedded systems, and this course provides foundational skills for aspiring Embedded Systems Engineers. Moreover, the course's emphasis on file management, memory management, and resource management is highly relevant to embedded systems work.

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Computer Systems Analyst

Computer Systems Analysts design, implement, and maintain computer systems. They work with clients to determine their needs and develop solutions that meet those needs. Computer Systems Analysts must have a strong understanding of both hardware and software, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with both technical and non-technical audiences. The Linux operating system is one of the most popular platforms to deploy modern applications on. By taking this course, Computer Systems Analysts can develop a deeper understanding of Linux and its features, which will allow them to better serve their clients.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators (DBAs) are responsible for the design, implementation, and maintenance of databases. They work with database users to ensure that the database is meeting their needs and that their data is secure. DBAs must have a strong understanding of database technology, as well as the ability to work with a variety of operating systems and programming languages. As Linux is one of the most popular operating systems for database servers, this course provides foundational skills for aspiring DBAs. Moreover, the course's emphasis on file management, memory management, and resource management is highly relevant to database administration work.

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DevOps Engineer

DevOps Engineers bridge the gap between software development and IT operations. They work to ensure that software is deployed and maintained efficiently and reliably. DevOps Engineers must have a strong understanding of both software development and IT operations, as well as a variety of tools and technologies. Knowledge of Linux is essential for DevOps Engineers as it is widely used in both software development and IT operations environments. This course helps equip DevOps Engineers with the necessary skills to be successful in their roles.

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Reading list

We've selected 22 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Linux Systems Programming.

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment

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Well-known reference work on system programming under Unix. Strong on using and understanding the POSIX standard C library. Assumes some knowledge of C programming.

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment...

Linux Systems Programming

What's inside

Syllabus

Good to know

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Activities

Career center

Reading list

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