Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment Book Summary - Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment Book explained in key points

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment summary

W. Richard Stevens

Brief summary

Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment by W. Richard Stevens is a comprehensive guide for experienced programmers looking to master UNIX system programming. It covers topics such as file I/O, processes, signals, and interprocess communication.

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Table of Contents

    Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment
    Summary of key ideas

    Understanding the UNIX Environment

    In Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment by W. Richard Stevens, the journey begins with an introduction to the UNIX environment. The author explains the basic UNIX file system, file I/O, and system data files. This includes a detailed discussion on file and directory operations, file I/O buffering, and system data files such as password and group files.

    Stevens then delves into the UNIX processes, detailing process control, process relationships, process groups, and sessions. The discussion further extends to process control and process relationships, including process identifiers, fork function, exec function, and process termination.

    Interprocess Communication and Advanced I/O

    Next, the book moves on to interprocess communication in UNIX. Stevens provides a comprehensive overview of signals, signal handling, and signal functions. He then discusses the concept of pipes and FIFOs, and their usage in interprocess communication. The discussion extends to advanced I/O, covering topics such as non-blocking I/O, record locking, and memory mapping.

    Further, the book explores the concept of sockets, which are fundamental to networking in UNIX. The author covers socket address structures, basic socket functions, and socket options. He also discusses the interaction between processes on the same host and processes on different hosts using sockets.

    Threads, Daemons, and Advanced Topics

    Stevens then shifts the focus to threads, which are a popular means of creating multiple, concurrent execution flows within a process. He provides an in-depth discussion on threads, thread creation, thread control, and thread synchronization. The author also covers the concept of thread cancellation and thread-specific data.

    Moving forward, the book introduces the concept of daemons, which are background processes that perform system tasks. Stevens explains the design and implementation of daemons, including daemon initialization, daemon termination, and daemon management.

    Finally, the book concludes with advanced topics in UNIX programming. These include a detailed discussion on POSIX and the Single UNIX Specification, covering topics such as system database files, system identification, and system limits. The book also provides an overview of the XSI interprocess communication facilities and real-time signals.

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment provides an extensive understanding of the UNIX programming environment. It covers a wide range of topics, from basic file I/O to advanced interprocess communication and multithreading. The book is a valuable resource for programmers seeking to develop robust, high-performance applications in the UNIX environment.

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    What is Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment about?

    Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment by W. Richard Stevens is a comprehensive guide for experienced programmers looking to deepen their understanding of UNIX programming. It covers topics such as file I/O, system calls, processes, signals, and interprocess communication, providing detailed explanations and code examples. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to master UNIX system programming.

    Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment Review

    Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment by W. Richard Stevens (1992) is a comprehensive guide essential for anyone interested in mastering UNIX programming. Here's why this book stands out:
    • It offers in-depth explanations on UNIX system calls and functions, providing a thorough understanding of how to leverage the UNIX environment efficiently.
    • With its practical examples and clear illustrations, readers can easily grasp complex concepts and apply them in their own programming projects.
    • The book's emphasis on real-world applications ensures that readers stay engaged and see immediate value in the knowledge they gain.

    Who should read Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment?

    • Experienced programmers who want to deepen their understanding of UNIX systems

    • Software engineers working on UNIX-based applications

    • System administrators looking to improve their scripting and automation skills

    About the Author

    W. Richard Stevens was a renowned author and computer scientist. He specialized in the field of networking and operating systems. Stevens' book, "Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment," is considered a classic in the industry. His other notable works include "TCP/IP Illustrated" and "UNIX Network Programming." Stevens' books are highly regarded for their comprehensive and practical approach to the subject matter, making them essential resources for both students and professionals in the field of computer science.

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    Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment FAQs 

    What is the main message of Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment?

    The main message of Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment revolves around mastering UNIX system programming concepts.

    How long does it take to read Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment?

    Reading time for Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment varies but typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary only takes minutes to read.

    Is Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment is worth reading for its comprehensive coverage of UNIX programming.

    Who is the author of Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment?

    The author of Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment is W. Richard Stevens.

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