Professional Linux Programming (Programmer to Programmer)

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 465 pages
• Published by: Wrox March 12, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0471776130
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0471776130
• Book Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.2 x 1.3 inches
• Weighs: 1.6 pounds

Product Description

• This book is broken into four primary sections addressing key topics that Linux programmers need to master: Linux nuts and bolts, the Linux kernel, the Linux desktop, and Linux for the Web
• Effective examples help get readers up to speed with building software on a Linux-based system while using the tools and utilities that contribute to streamlining the software development process
• Discusses using emulation and virtualization technologies for kernel development and application testing
• Includes useful insights aimed at helping readers understand how their applications code fits in with the rest of the software stack
• Examines cross-compilation, dynamic device insertion and removal, key Linux projects (such as Project Utopia), and the internationalization capabilities present in the GNOME desktop

Back Cover Copy


As Linux continues to grow in popularity, there has never been more of a need to understand how to develop for this platform. Rather than focusing on a particular language or development technique, Professional Linux Programming looks at the different development environments within Linux—the kernel, the desktop, and the web—and then demonstrates best practices, tools, and techniques for integrating applications with the OS as a whole. This book is essential for understanding the nuances that differentiate programming for Linux from programming for any other platform. After beginning with simple shell scripts, the reader quickly moves on to the more advanced topics like software drivers and the graphical interface.

The wide variety of tools that you can use to build application software, utilities, and even the Linux kernel itself are covered. You'll also explore the unique components of a Linux system and delve into the inner workings of the system. And you'll find out how to use Linux with the web by writing software for the LAMP (Linux, Apache, MySQL, Perl/Python) stack. You'll then be able to apply this information to streamline software development while incorporating cutting-edge features and functionality.

What you will learn from this book

• How to use tools such as compilers, debuggers, and software Configuration Management
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  Ways to interact with Linux systems through network interfaces, graphical user environments, and LAMP stacks
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  Techniques for building software for different compatible platforms
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  Tips for utilizing the GNU automated build for faster development
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  Steps for using emulation and virtualization technologies for kernel development and application testing
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  How to write your own GNOME software and powerful web applications

Who this book is for

This book is for professional programmers who want to understand the internals of a typical Linux system. It is also for those who want to solve a particular problem while creating or modifying applications using Linux.

Reader Reviews
I bought this book hoping to familiarize myself with some of the more common methods of programming for the Linux system. The book does a fairly good job of explaining the Linux kernel, as well as introducing the basics of OpenGL and SDL for graphics. I felt that the networking section of the book was rather lax in it's discussion of forking servers and handling TCP protocols. While the book discusses the basics of programming for the Linux system, it lacks nearly any mention of bash scripting or use of the standard Linux command line tools. While this is a good book for learning the basics, if you don't already know some programming, then some of the examples can really mess you up; the editor missed quite a few things in this book. Some of the mistakes are in the example code, some are in the author's explanations of the examples, and there are several when the author is simply describing anything new. Overall, i would recommend this book for learning basic programming for Linux. It was very helpful for me, even with all of the grammatical and programming syntax errors.