This book teaches Linux programming in one of the most effective ways possible: by showing and explaining well-written programs. Arnold Robbins focuses on the fundamental Linux system call APIs that form the core of any significant program, and presents code from production programs that Linux and Unix users already work with every day, ranging from Unix source code to GNU utilities such as ls and cp. The topics and APIs covered include: memory management; file I/O, file meta-information, processes, users and groups, sorting, argument parsing, extended interfaces, internationalization, debugging, and more. Robbins stresses fundamental programming principles, and often presents both higher-level and lower-level approaches to key tasks, helping students understand how things work “under the hood.” He also demonstrates how to address the real-world issues that arise in writing software—notably performance, portability, and robustness. All code examples are downloadable from a companion Web site, and most apply equally well to both Linux and Unix. Where differences exist, the author notes them. Linux Programming by Example: The Fundamentals is intended for students who already understand the basics of C and/or C++.

The perfect introduction to Linux programming fundamentals for developers new to Linux--ideal for Windows programmers making the switch!

° An example-driven introduction to the core Linux programming interfaces that EVERY Linux developer needs to master.

° Examples are "real-world," not canned, taken from the ACTUAL source code to popular GNU Linux programs.

° Written by the best-selling author of UNIX in a Nutshell and other popular O'Reilly books.

Preface.

Linux  [PTG: PRENTICE HALL PROFESSIONAL]   (Computer Science)

Arnold Robbins is an Atlanta native, currently living is Israel. He is a happy husband, and the proud father of four wonderful children. He works as a professional software engineer and technical author. In his non-copious spare time, he is also an amateur Talmudist, both Babylonian and Jerusalem.

Arnold has been working with Unix systems of various sorts, GNU/Linux systems, C, C++ and all the other major Unix tools since 1980.

As a long-time volunteer for the GNU project, he has been the maintainer of GAWK (GNU Awk) for many years. Arnold was on the balloting committee for the original POSIX Shell and Utilities standard in the early 1990s and helped to shape the POSIX standard for awk (and a few other things).

“This is an excellent introduction to Linux programming. The topics are well chosen and lucidly presented. I learned things myself, especially about internationalization, and I’ve been at this for quite a while.”

—Chet Ramey, Coauthor and Maintainer of the Bash shell

“This is a good introduction to Linux programming. Arnold’s technique of showing how experienced programmers use the Linux programming interfaces is a nice touch, much more useful than the canned programming examples found in most books.”

—Ulrich Drepper, Project Lead, GNU C library

“A gentle yet thorough introduction to the art of UNIX system programming, Linux Programming by Example uses code from a wide range of familiar programs to illustrate each concept it teaches. Readers will enjoy an interesting mix of in-depth API descriptions and portability guidelines, and will come away well prepared to begin reading and writing systems applications. Heartily recommended.”

—Jim Meyering, Coauthor and Maintainer of the GNU Core Utility Programs

This book teaches Linux programming in the most effective way possible: by showing and explaining well-written programs. Drawing from both V7 Unix® and current GNU source code, Arnold Robbins focuses on the fundamental system call APIs at the core of any significant program, presenting examples from programs that Linux/Unix users already use every day. Gradually, one step at a time, Robbins teaches both high-level principles and “under the hood” techniques. Along the way, he carefully addresses real-world issues like performance, portability, and robustness. Coverage includes:

• Memory management
• File I/O
• File metadata
• Processes
• Users and groups
• Sorting and searching
• Argument parsing
• Extended interfaces
• Signals
• Internationalization
• Debugging
• And more…

Just learning to program? Switching from Windows®? Already developing with Linux but interested in exploring the system call interface further? No matter which, quickly and directly, this book will help you master the fundamentals needed to build serious Linux software.

Companion Web Sites, authors.phptr.com/robbins and www.linux-by-example.com, include all code examples.

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