The Linux Kernel Primer: A Top-Down Approach For x86 And PowerPC Architecture

DESCRIPTION

Learn Linux kernel programming, hands-on: a uniquely effective top-down approach

Linux Kernel Primer is the definitive guide to Linux kernel programming. The authors' unique top-down approach makes kernel programming easier to understand by systematically tracing functionality from user space into the kernel, and carefully associating kernel internals with user-level programming fundamentals. Their approach helps you build on what you already know about Linux, gaining a deep understanding of how the kernel works and how its elements fit together.

One step at a time, the authors introduce all the tools and assembly language programming techniques required to understand kernel code and control its behavior. They compare x86 and PowerPC implementations side-by-side, illuminating cryptic functionality through carefully-annotated source code examples and realistic projects. Linux Kernel Primer is the first book to offer in-depth coverage of the rapidly-growing PowerPC Linux development platform, and the only book to thoroughly discuss kernel configuration with the Linux build system. Coverage includes

Data structures

x86 and PPC assembly language

Viewing kernel internals

Linux process model

User and kernel space

Interrupts and exceptions

Memory allocation and tracking

Tracing subsystem behavior

I/O interactions

Filesystems and file operations

Scheduling and synchronization

Kernel boot process

Kernel build system

Configuration options

Device drivers

And more...

If you know C, this book teaches you all the skills and techniques you need to succeed with Linux kernel programming. Whether you're a systems programmer, software engineer, systems analyst, test professional, open source project contributor, or simply a Linux enthusiast, you'll find it indispensable.



In a series whose slogan is: "real world code from real word applications," Rodriguez (IBM's Linux Technology Center) and fellow Linux experts present the big picture of the UNIX platform, Linux distributions, and the components of Linux kernel programming. In a side-by-side comparison of x86 and PowerPC development platform implementation, they explain how the kernel elements work together and relate to user-level fundamentals. Chapters include source code examples and exercises.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Overview.

2. Exploration Toolkit.

3. Processes: The Principal Model of Execution.

4. Memory Management.

5. Input/Output.

6. Filesystems.

7. Scheduling and Kernel Synchronization.

8. Booting the Kernel.

9. Building the Linux Kernel.

10. Adding Your Code to the Kernel.