Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project from Coursera

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Syllabus

Introduction to Device Drivers and Yocto

In this module, you will learn the basics of Linux Device Drivers, including how to build and run a Linux Device Driver. You will modify the socket application you developed in the previous course and add threading. You will also be introduced to the Yocto Project and build a custom Yocto image which includes your custom socket application developed in the previous course.

Linux Character Drivers and Debugging

In this module, you will learn about the different types of Linux Kernel drivers and the kernel support for character device drivers. You will learn about fundamental driver data structures and functions for interacting with user space. You will understand the basics of Kernel debugging and how this differs from application debugging. You will implement a unit-tested circular buffer which will be used in future assignments. Finally, you will build a Yocto embedded device image with support for an out of tree kernel module.

Concurrency in the Linux Kernel

In this module, you will learn the basics of concurrency in the Linux kernel, and how to use semaphore and mutex in your device driver to design for concurrent access. You will learn the difference between atomic and non atomic context and strategies for locking in each context. You will modify your socket application to interact with a custom character device based on your tested circular buffer implementation using the concurrency concepts discussed in the module.

Kernel sleeping and ioctl

In this module, you will learn the purpose and use of the ioctl command for Linux drivers and how the ioctl command is implemented in a driver. You will learn the basics of sleeping and waking up in the Linux kernel and how to handle blocking and non-blocking IO. You will modify your custom Linux kernel driver and Linux application to include ioctl support.

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Develops essential skills for embedded Linux system development, including device driver programming and Yocto build system

Provides a strong foundation for further exploration of Linux operating system

In-demand skills in the industry, making it a valuable addition to one's resume

Taught by Daniel Walkes, who has extensive experience in embedded Linux system development

Requires prior completion of Linux System Programming and Introduction to Buildroot, which may limit accessibility for beginners

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 Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project with these activities:

Join a study group or discussion forum for Linux kernel programming

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Facilitates interaction and collaboration, enhancing understanding and retention through peer learning.

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Find a study group or discussion forum that aligns with your learning goals.
Participate actively in discussions and ask questions.
Help other students understand concepts and solve problems.

Organize and review course materials

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Encourages active engagement with course materials, promoting retention and facilitating future reference.

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Organize notes, assignments, and other course materials into a logical structure.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce understanding.
Identify any areas where additional study is needed.

Follow online tutorials on Linux kernel programming

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Complements the course material by providing additional resources for learning and practicing.

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Find a reputable website or YouTube channel with Linux kernel programming tutorials.
Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises.
Apply what you have learned to your own projects.

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Solve Linux kernel programming coding challenges

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Provides targeted practice in problem-solving and coding, strengthening foundational skills.

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Find a website or book with Linux kernel programming challenges.
Solve as many challenges as possible.
Review your solutions and identify areas for improvement.

Read Linux Device Drivers

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Provides a comprehensive overview of Linux device drivers, which will enhance the in-course coverage of this topic.

View Linux Device Drivers on Amazon

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Read chapters 1-3 to gain a foundational understanding of device drivers in Linux.
Read the specific chapters related to the device driver you are working on.
Use the book as a reference guide throughout the course.

Create a tutorial on a specific Linux device driver topic

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Encourages students to articulate their understanding by creating a tutorial, deepening their comprehension.

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Choose a specific topic related to Linux device drivers.
Research the topic thoroughly.
Write a clear and concise tutorial.
Share the tutorial with peers or the online community.

Develop a custom Linux driver for a hardware device

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Provides hands-on experience in developing a Linux driver, reinforcing the concepts learned in the course.

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Identify a hardware device that you want to develop a driver for.
Research the device's specifications and documentation.
Write the kernel module code for the driver.
Test and debug the driver.
Integrate the driver into the Linux kernel.

Career center

Learners who complete Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Operating Systems Developer

Operating Systems Developers plan and develop the software that runs computers and mobile devices. As an OS Developer, you would build on this course's foundation in Linux to design and implement low-level software that runs on specific hardware. This course's discussion of concurrency, sleeping, and ioctl support will also be essential to your success both in designing and debugging a modern operating system.

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Embedded Systems Engineer

Embedded Systems Engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing embedded systems. These are computerized systems that are designed to perform specific tasks within larger systems. The Yocto build system portion of this course is particularly relevant to this career. Yocto helps build custom embedded systems. Furthermore, this course's emphasis on Linux Device Drivers will prove invaluable as embedded systems often leverage Linux.

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Device Driver Engineer

Device Driver Engineers develop, test, and maintain software that allows computers to communicate with external devices. As a driver engineer, this course will help you build on your Linux foundation, and build out your skillset concerning Character Drivers and Kernel Support for Character Device Drivers.

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Kernel Developer

Kernel Developers create and maintain the core software that runs a computer system. This course's thorough overview of Linux Kernel Programming will be essential for this career. The sections on Linux Character Drivers, sleeping, ioctl, and concurrency will be especially useful.

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Systems Architect

Systems Architects design and develop the overall architecture of computer systems. As an architect, this course's coverage of Linux Kernel Programming will help you understand the inner workings of a computer system and design systems that are efficient and reliable. Concurrency and sleeping are particularly important elements of systems design.

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Technical Support Engineer

Technical Support Engineers provide technical support to users of computer systems. Getting to know the content of this course may help you troubleshoot problems, answer questions, and resolve issues related to Linux Kernel Programming and Yocto.

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Quality Assurance Analyst

Quality Assurance Analysts test and evaluate software to ensure that it meets quality standards. The portion of this course that focuses on Kernel debugging will help you build the skills necessary to excel as a QA Analyst.

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Software Developer

Software Developers design, develop, and test software applications. This course may be useful to you if you want to specialize in developing software for embedded systems or operating systems.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers apply engineering principles to the design and development of software. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in developing software for embedded systems or operating systems. The Yocto section will be particularly useful.

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Computer Programmer

Computer Programmers write and test code that makes computers perform specific tasks. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in programming for embedded systems or operating systems.

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Game Developer

Game Developers design and develop video games. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in developing games for embedded systems or consoles. The section on concurrency will be particularly useful.

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Web Developer

Web Developers design and develop websites and web applications. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in developing web applications for embedded systems. The section on ioctl will be particularly useful.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators manage and maintain computer networks. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in managing networks for embedded systems. The section on ioctl will be particularly useful.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators manage and maintain databases. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in managing databases for embedded systems. The section on sleeping will be particularly useful.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan and direct the operations of information technology (IT) systems. This course may be useful if you want to specialize in managing IT systems for embedded systems. The section on Yocto will be particularly useful.

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Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project

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