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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Linux Programming Interface summary
Michael Kerrisk
Brief summary
The Linux Programming Interface by Michael Kerrisk is a comprehensive guide to system programming on Linux. It covers a wide range of topics including file I/O, processes, threads, and inter-process communication, making it an essential resource for Linux developers.
Table of Contents
The Linux Programming Interface
Summary of key ideas
The Comprehensive Guide to Linux Programming
In The Linux Programming Interface, Michael Kerrisk presents a comprehensive guide to system programming in the Linux environment. The book is designed to be a practical resource for programmers who want to develop software for Linux systems, and it covers a wide range of topics, including file I/O, processes, memory allocation, and inter-process communication.
Kerrisk begins by introducing the basic concepts of system programming and the Linux programming environment. He then delves into file I/O, explaining the low-level system calls used to manipulate files, directories, and file metadata. He also discusses the use of standard I/O library functions and file locking mechanisms.
Process Management and Memory Allocation
The next section of The Linux Programming Interface focuses on process management. Kerrisk explains the creation and execution of processes, process termination, and process scheduling. He also discusses process groups, sessions, and job control, providing a detailed understanding of how processes work in a Linux system.
Memory allocation and management are covered in the subsequent chapters. Kerrisk explains the different memory regions in a process's address space, the use of virtual memory, memory mapping, and shared memory. He also discusses memory allocation functions such as malloc and free, and the use of memory management system calls.
Inter-Process Communication and Synchronization
The book then moves on to inter-process communication (IPC) and synchronization. Kerrisk introduces various IPC mechanisms such as pipes, FIFOs, message queues, and shared memory. He explains how these mechanisms enable communication and data exchange between processes.
Additionally, Kerrisk covers synchronization techniques, such as the use of semaphores, condition variables, and mutexes to coordinate the activities of concurrent processes. He also discusses the use of signals for process-to-process communication and handling asynchronous events.
Threading and Thread Synchronization
In the latter part of The Linux Programming Interface, Kerrisk focuses on threading, which allows a process to execute multiple tasks concurrently. He explains the creation and management of threads, thread synchronization using mutexes and condition variables, and thread cancellation.
Furthermore, Kerrisk discusses various advanced topics, such as thread-specific data, thread attributes, and real-time scheduling for threads. He provides detailed examples and explanations to help readers understand the intricacies of multi-threaded programming in the Linux environment.
Network Programming and Advanced Topics
The final section of the book covers network programming in Linux. Kerrisk introduces the socket API, explaining how to create client-server applications for network communication. He also discusses advanced networking topics, such as IPv6, multicast communication, and non-blocking I/O.
To conclude, The Linux Programming Interface is an in-depth resource that provides a thorough understanding of system programming in the Linux environment. Kerrisk's clear explanations, extensive code examples, and practical insights make this book an essential reference for anyone interested in developing software for Linux systems.
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What is The Linux Programming Interface about?
The Linux Programming Interface by Michael Kerrisk is a comprehensive guide to the Linux system programming interface. It covers a wide range of topics including file I/O, processes, memory allocation, system calls, and more. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced programmer, this book provides in-depth explanations and practical examples to help you master Linux programming.
The Linux Programming Interface Review
The Linux Programming Interface (2010) delves into the ins and outs of Linux system programming, making it an essential read for tech enthusiasts. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring in-depth explanations and examples, it equips readers with a comprehensive understanding of Linux system calls and library functions.
- With a focus on real-world applications and practical use cases, the book bridges the gap between theory and hands-on experience.
- Its engaging and insightful approach ensures that even complex concepts are presented in a clear and engaging manner, keeping readers hooked from start to finish.
Who should read The Linux Programming Interface?
Experienced programmers who want to deepen their understanding of the Linux programming interface
Software developers looking to build high-performance and efficient applications on Linux
System administrators who want to automate tasks and create custom tools using shell scripting and system programming
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The Linux Programming Interface FAQs
What is the main message of The Linux Programming Interface?
Understanding and mastering Linux system programming for robust and efficient applications.
How long does it take to read The Linux Programming Interface?
Reading time for The Linux Programming Interface varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.
Is The Linux Programming Interface a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Linux Programming Interface is essential for developers wanting in-depth knowledge of Linux programming. Definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of The Linux Programming Interface?
The author of The Linux Programming Interface is Michael Kerrisk.
What to read after The Linux Programming Interface?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Linux Programming Interface, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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