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Mohan M

Note : This course is conducted by IT working Professional, and not by a Professional Instructor.

Q. What is the speciality of this course?

A. This is purely a Course on "Learning Programming using Linux", This course does not teach 'C'. Since this course is conducted by industry working professionals, This course tries to cover gap between academics and Industry, Also the last section Bonus - Students Q & A, contains the collective students questions and its solution to them. It is a regularly updating section.

Q. What is the Prior knowledge required for this course?

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Note : This course is conducted by IT working Professional, and not by a Professional Instructor.

Q. What is the speciality of this course?

A. This is purely a Course on "Learning Programming using Linux", This course does not teach 'C'. Since this course is conducted by industry working professionals, This course tries to cover gap between academics and Industry, Also the last section Bonus - Students Q & A, contains the collective students questions and its solution to them. It is a regularly updating section.

Q. What is the Prior knowledge required for this course?

A. This course teaches from Basics of Linux Programming to Advanced, hence no prior knowledge on Linux is assumed, but should be energetic to learn Linux technology.

Q. Who is this course for?

A. This course is designed in mind from beginners(students) to intermediate professionals who want to learn Linux and Utilise the Open Source  platform to help build their careers related in field of Linux systems Design and Development.

Q. What will be the outcome of this course?

A. The students upon completion will definitely have a SOLID understanding of Linux System Programming,  For freshers this can be a good guide to crack interviews, for already working professionals they can start working as individual contributor in their projects, and definitely will be in par with the experienced colleagues.

Q. What are the contents of course?

In this course you will be learning the below Linux system programming. And more emphasis is given on the Programming part.

1.  Introduction to Linux systems.

   a. Linux architecture.

   b. Writing 'Hello World' program, compiling using GCC and its execution.

2. What is system call and standard library function calls

3. Kernel and User mode in Linux

4. File operations

    open(), close(), read(), write(), lseek()

    Blocking and Non-Blocking calls.

    Atomic operations, Race condition.

5. Memory Management and Virtual Memory

     stack segment, code segment,  heap segment, data segment,

     Virtual memory management.

     functions related to Memory allocation - Malloc(), calloc(), Realloc(), Auto variables, static variables.

6.  Process Management

     Process creation, Process termination, wait(), Process ID, fork() system call, Exec() family of system call, Parent-Child Process management,   

     Command line arguments of Process.

7.  Signals

     signal(), signal handlers, sending signals to process, ignoring and default signal actions.

8.  Posix Threads

     Thread creation, thread termination, thread ID, joinable and detachable threads.

9.  Thread synchronisation

      Mutex, Condition variables, Thread safe.

10.  Posix - Inter Process communication.

      Pipes, FIFO, Posix message Queue, Posix Semaphores, Posix Shared Memory.

NOTE - Ubuntu Distribution (Linux) is used for all Demo in this course.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • From basics to advanced linux systems programming, with lots of hands on 'c' programming demos.
  • File operation, system call, library functions, compiling using gnu-gcc, blocking and non blocking call, atomic operation, race condition, user and kernel mode
  • Process management - process creation, termination, fork() system call, child-parent process, command line argument of process, memory layout of process
  • Signals - signal handlers, sending signals to process, default signal handlers.
  • Posix threads - thread creation, thread termination, thread id, joinable and detachable threads.
  • Thread synchronisation - mutex, condition variables
  • Inter process communication (ipc)- pipes, fifo, posix message queue, posix semaphore, posix shared memory
  • Memory management - process virtual memory management, memory segments(code, data, stack, heap)

Syllabus

This section introduces Linux OS, and the Linux Kernel
Course Contents
Introduction to Linux system Programming and Kernel
Outcome of This Course
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The slides used in this course is added here for your reference.

All programs explained during this course are in C.

GCC compiler is used to compile the code.

command to compile code is

gcc lib_ex.c -o lib_ex

compile the code using below gcc command

gcc sys_ex.c -o sys_ex

You can perform file operations like read/write without open() a file

Tips

Race condition

Pre-Emptive

File descriptor table

Use case discussion on Race around, Critical section, and Atomic operations

Summary related to Process

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Covers file operations, process management, signals, threads, and IPC, which are fundamental concepts for Linux system programming and provide a solid foundation for beginners
Includes hands-on 'C' programming demos, which allows learners to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills in Linux system programming
Uses Ubuntu for demos, which is a widely used Linux distribution, making it easier for learners to replicate the examples and apply the concepts on their own systems
Explores inter-process communication mechanisms like pipes, message queues, semaphores, and shared memory, which are essential for building complex and concurrent Linux applications
Features a regularly updated section addressing student questions, which helps to clarify difficult concepts and provide practical solutions to common problems encountered in Linux system programming
Taught by an IT working professional, which may help bridge the gap between academic knowledge and industry practices in Linux systems design and development

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Reviews summary

Practical linux system programming in c

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation in Linux system programming from basics to advanced concepts. Many students found the hands-on coding examples and practical approach to be particularly helpful and effective for understanding complex topics like process management, threads, and IPC. Reviewers frequently praised the clarity of explanations, even for beginners, noting that the instructor, an IT working professional, brings valuable industry perspective. While some found parts challenging, especially without a strong C background, the course is widely seen as relevant for career development in Linux systems. The inclusion of source code and a responsive Q&A section were also highlighted as positive aspects.
Assumes basic familiarity with C.
"This course does not teach 'C'. Since this course is conducted by industry working professionals..."
"I need to brush up on my C programming before taking this course to fully benefit from the examples."
"Knowledge of C is definitely required to follow along with the programming exercises."
Section updated with student questions.
"the last section Bonus - Students Q & A, contains the collective students questions and its solution to them. It is a regularly updating section."
"The Q&A section is a valuable resource and seeing it updated shows the instructor's commitment."
"I found the bonus section with common student questions very helpful."
Access to example code.
"All programs explained during this course are in C. GCC compiler is used to compile the code."
"The availability of source code for all the examples is a huge plus."
"I appreciated having the code snippets readily available to test and experiment with."
Insight from a working professional.
"This course is conducted by IT working professional, and not by a Professional Instructor."
"Instructor is an industry working professional, which means he knows how things work in real world scenarios."
"The instructor provides practical insights from his experience in the field."
Good coverage of core system programming.
"It has great content covering all the necessary topics for system programming."
"The course content covers all important topics for Linux system programming."
"I learned about File Operations, Process Management, Signals, Threads, IPC, and Memory Management."
Concepts explained clearly, easy to grasp.
"The content is explained very clearly step-by-step for beginners, which is very helpful."
"Instructor has explained the concepts very well and covered all important topics with good examples."
"His way of explaining concepts and practical examples are so clear."
Emphasis on practical coding and demos.
"This course emphasizes practical programming using Linux from scratch and demonstrates with lot of examples."
"The course is excellent because it uses a practical approach with lots of C programming demonstrations."
"It was a very practical approach using C programming and a good number of examples were used."

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 System Programming - A programmers/Practical Approach with these activities:
Review C Programming Fundamentals
Strengthen your C programming foundation before diving into Linux system programming. This will make understanding system calls and memory management much easier.
Show steps
  • Review basic C syntax and data types.
  • Practice writing small C programs that use pointers and memory allocation.
  • Work through examples of common C programming tasks.
Read 'The C Programming Language' (K&R)
Deepen your understanding of C, the primary language used in this course. This book provides a solid foundation for understanding system-level programming concepts.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Work through the examples in the book.
  • Try the exercises at the end of each chapter.
Practice System Call Usage
Reinforce your understanding of system calls by writing small programs that use them. This will help you become more comfortable with the Linux API.
Show steps
  • Write programs using open(), read(), write(), and close().
  • Experiment with different file access modes and error handling.
  • Try using lseek() to move the file pointer.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Document System Call Examples
Solidify your knowledge by creating well-documented examples of system calls. This will help you understand how they work and how to use them effectively.
Show steps
  • Choose a set of system calls to document.
  • Write a short program that uses each system call.
  • Add comments to explain what the program does and how the system call works.
  • Create a README file with instructions on how to compile and run the programs.
Build a Simple File Viewer
Apply your knowledge of file operations to create a practical tool. This project will challenge you to use system calls to read and display the contents of a file.
Show steps
  • Design the user interface for the file viewer.
  • Implement the file reading functionality using system calls.
  • Add error handling to gracefully handle invalid files or permissions issues.
  • Implement features like scrolling and searching.
Contribute to a Linux Project
Gain real-world experience by contributing to an open-source Linux project. This will expose you to best practices and help you learn from experienced developers.
Show steps
  • Find a Linux project that interests you.
  • Read the project's documentation and contribution guidelines.
  • Identify a bug or feature that you can work on.
  • Submit a patch with your changes.
Read 'Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment'
Expand your knowledge of UNIX system programming with this comprehensive guide. This book covers advanced topics and provides practical examples.
Show steps
  • Read the book cover to cover.
  • Work through the examples in the book.
  • Experiment with the concepts discussed in the book.

Career center

Learners who complete Linux System Programming - A programmers/Practical Approach will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Systems Programmer
A systems programmer is responsible for developing and maintaining system software, such as operating systems, compilers, and utilities. This course on Linux system programming is designed to give you a solid understanding of the fundamentals of system-level programming in a Linux environment. It covers essential topics like system calls, file operations, memory management, process management, and inter-process communication. The course's practical approach, with 'C' programming demos and hands-on exercises, translates directly to the skills needed to be a systems programmer. You will gain experience with signals, threads, and synchronization, enabling you to build robust and efficient system software.
Kernel Developer
A kernel developer works on the core of an operating system, responsible for managing the system's resources and providing essential services. This course on Linux system programming provides a practical approach to understanding the inner workings of the Linux kernel. It covers crucial aspects of kernel development, including system calls, process management, memory management, and inter-process communication. Kernel developers need a solid grasp of 'C' programming, and this course offers hands-on exercises directly applicable to kernel programming tasks. Exploring topics like file operations, signals, threads, and synchronization mechanisms give you a comprehensive toolkit to be a successful kernel developer.
Operating Systems Developer
An operating systems developer is responsible for creating, maintaining, and improving the underlying software that manages computer hardware and resources. This course on Linux system programming introduces core concepts of operating systems, such as system calls, kernel and user modes, process management, and memory management. A deep dive into file operations, including blocking and non-blocking calls, as well as advanced I/O concepts and race conditions, readies you for this role. The focus on 'C' programming demos and practical examples throughout the course translates directly to the skills needed as an operating systems developer. Learning about inter-process communication using pipes, message queues, semaphores, and shared memory, equips you with the knowledge to build efficient and reliable operating system components.
Device Driver Developer
A device driver developer creates software that enables operating systems to communicate with hardware devices. This course on Linux system programming gives you a solid foundation in the system-level concepts needed to write device drivers. You will learn about system calls, kernel and user modes, file operations, and memory management, all crucial for interacting with hardware at a low level. The course's practical 'C' programming exercises and examples translate directly to developing device drivers. An understanding of process management, signals, and inter-process communication, all covered in the course, gives you the capabilities to build robust and efficient device drivers.
Embedded Systems Engineer
An embedded systems engineer designs, develops, and tests software and hardware for embedded systems, which are specialized computer systems within larger devices or machines. This course on Linux system programming offers a practical approach to understanding the core principles necessary for embedded development. Topics include file operations, memory management, process management, and inter-process communication. The course's hands-on 'C' programming exercises, combined with explorations of system calls and libraries, helps build a strong foundation for an embedded systems engineer. An understanding of signals, threads, and thread synchronization, also gained from this course, provides the tools to create robust and responsive embedded applications.
Site Reliability Engineer
A site reliability engineer is responsible for ensuring the reliability, scalability, and performance of software systems in production. This course on Linux system programming provides you with an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of Linux systems. You will learn about topics such as system calls, file operations, process management, and memory management, which are essential for diagnosing and resolving issues in production environments. Additionally, the course covers inter-process communication and threading, which are crucial for understanding and optimizing the performance of distributed systems. A site reliability engineer can leverage system call knowledge to better optimize and secure the processes running on a server.
DevOps Engineer
A DevOps engineer is responsible for bridging the gap between development and operations, automating and streamlining the software development lifecycle. This course on Linux system programming provides foundational knowledge of Linux systems, including system calls, file operations, process management, and memory management. DevOps engineers often work with Linux-based systems, and understanding these concepts can help them automate tasks, troubleshoot issues, and optimize performance. The course's Q&A section, with regularly updated solutions to student queries, may address real-world challenges that are common in DevOps environments. Experience with `GCC` is also very helpful.
Database Administrator
A database administrator is responsible for installing, configuring, maintaining, and optimizing databases. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for understanding the underlying system on which the database runs. This could be especially true if you work with open source databases that run on the Linux operating system. Topics such as file operations, memory management, process management, and inter-process communication are essential for understanding how a database interacts with the operating system. This course also covers threading and synchronization, which are important for understanding database concurrency.
Security Engineer
A security engineer is responsible for protecting computer systems and networks from cyber threats. This course on Linux system programming provides you with an understanding of the underlying mechanisms of a Linux system, which helps to identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities. You will learn about topics such as file operations, memory management, process management, and inter-process communication, which are essential for understanding how software interacts with the system. The course's practical approach and hands-on exercises can provide a strong foundation for analyzing and securing Linux-based systems.
Application Developer
An application developer designs, codes, tests, and debugs applications for computers and other devices. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for application developers, especially those working on Linux platforms. This course covers fundamental concepts like file operations, memory management, and inter-process communication, which are essential for building robust applications. Furthermore, the course's practical focus on 'C' programming and system calls may help application developers optimize their applications for performance and security on Linux systems.
Software Architect
A software architect is responsible for making high-level design choices and dictating technical standards, including software coding standards, tools, and platforms. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for software architects who need to design and oversee the development of software systems on Linux platforms. This course provides foundational knowledge of the Linux operating system and its programming interfaces. The course also covers important aspects of system programming, such as memory management, process management, and inter-process communication.
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer
A cloud infrastructure engineer is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining the infrastructure that supports cloud services. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for understanding the underlying systems that power cloud environments. Cloud infrastructure engineers often work with Linux-based systems, and this course covers essential Linux concepts like file operations, process management, and memory management. Knowledge of system calls, inter-process communication, and threading can be valuable for optimizing cloud infrastructure performance and reliability. This course's practical approach and hands-on exercises may help you build a foundation for working with Linux in a cloud environment.
Quality Assurance Engineer
A quality assurance engineer is responsible for ensuring that a software product meets a certain standard of quality. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for a quality assurance engineer who works with Linux-based systems. This course covers fundamental concepts such as system calls, file operations, and process management, which can help in understanding how software interacts with the underlying system. The course's practical approach and hands-on exercises may provide a quality assurance engineer with the skills to write effective tests and debug issues at the system level.
Build Engineer
A build engineer is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining the software build and release process. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for build engineers who work with Linux-based development environments. This course covers topics such as compiling using `GCC`, which is a fundamental tool for build engineers. Understanding file operations and process management can also aid in troubleshooting build issues and optimizing build processes. The course's Q&A section and its regular updates may help you learn about common build-related challenges and solutions.
Automation Engineer
An automation engineer designs, develops, and implements automated systems and processes. This course on Linux system programming may be useful for automation engineers who work with Linux-based systems. This course covers fundamental Linux concepts like file operations, process management, and scripting. The course's focus on `C` programming and system calls may help automation engineers develop custom tools and scripts for managing and automating Linux environments. Experience with tools like `GCC` will also prove useful. Exposure to interprocess communication can also be used to enable complex automations.

Reading list

We've selected two 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 System Programming - A programmers/Practical Approach.
Is the definitive guide to the C programming language. It provides a comprehensive overview of the language's features and syntax. It is particularly useful for understanding the underlying concepts used in Linux system programming. While not strictly required, it's a valuable reference for any serious C programmer.
Classic resource for understanding UNIX system programming. It covers a wide range of topics, including file I/O, process management, and interprocess communication. It provides in-depth explanations and practical examples. This book is more valuable as additional reading to deepen your understanding of the concepts covered in the course.

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