18 January 2009

Linux Programming Tutortial Series

Having worked in Linux in my leisure time for the past four years, I would like write series of articles on programming in Linux. Though, there is no difference between Linux and any compliant systems as Linux is also POSIX compliant, it is worthwhile effort to learn Linux programming. POSIX is specification and by using POSIX interfaces one can write portable applications that work in any POSIX compliant systems. POSIX does not specify how a particular API (Application Programming Interface) has to be implemented. It is freedom given to operating systems. In this series of articles, we will be discussing, slowly but steadily, various POSIX standards, library functions, systems calls, sample programs and discuss how POSIX can be used. At the end of this long journey, we will understand most of the POSIX APIs and if we have will power, we will also learn the internal implementation.

As a usual disclaimer, I am not a subject matter expert but I do have four years of experience in writing Linux applications using POSIX. At the end of this journey, I strongly believe that my knowledge and understanding about Linux will be improved. I am planning to cover the following topics in coming months.

1. Process
2. Memory Management
3. Threads
4. Interprocess Communication
5. File I/O

Since this initiative is at a earlier stage, I am not sure about how often I will write but I am sure that I can write one post per week. I have also created a widget "Tutorials" and added "Linux Programming" make it easier for the readers to navigate directly to the tutorial.

Like me, if you are also serious about learning Linux, I would suggest the following
1. Get a PC with Linux installed. You need to work out at least 30 minutes to 1 hour, try solving exercises and examples. Trust, it is worth doing.
2. Get a book on C programming (you can find a lot of resources in Internet. Just google)
3. If you do not have a PC, at least I request you to think about exercise and write the programs in piece of paper and do the hand calculation. A Programmer does not need a computer to program :-)

Happy Learning

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