Book: Introduction to Development on Linux - by examples for beginners
This book is an introductory guide to programming on the Linux operating system, designed for beginners and intermediate users who want to explore programming on Linux with languages such as Awk, Perl, Bash, and C/C++. The primary goal is to familiarize readers with Linux development environments, essential programming tools, and the unique features of the Linux operating system, rather than teaching programming from scratch. It is especially useful for readers with some background in programming who want to expand their skill set into Linux development.
Introduction The book opens by explaining the significance of Linux as a versatile, open-source operating system popular for its stability, security, and flexibility. It highlights how programmers can fully harness Linux's power by understanding key programming languages and tools available on the platform.
Linux Basics This section introduces Linux, describing its origins, the importance of the Linux kernel, and the various Linux distributions available, such as Ubuntu, Fedora, and Debian. Each distribution's strengths and use cases are covered, allowing readers to choose the one best suited to their needs.
Linux Shells An overview of Linux shells, the command-line interface that allows users to interact with the system, follows. The book explores different types of shells, including Bash, Zsh, and Fish, explaining their features, strengths, and how to choose the right one.
Man Pages The importance of Linux’s manual pages (man pages) is emphasized as a crucial resource for learning system commands and functions. It walks through the different sections of man pages, which range from user commands to system administration tools.
Bash Shell Programming A detailed introduction to Bash, the most commonly used Linux shell. It covers basic Bash commands, how to create scripts, automate tasks, and handle variables, conditionals, and loops. It includes examples ranging from beginner to advanced scripts, illustrating how to automate common tasks or monitor log files.
AWK Programming This section explains Awk, a powerful language for text processing. The book demonstrates how to extract data, format reports, and filter content using Awk, making it useful for data manipulation tasks. Examples show Awk's ability to analyze structured data and extract specific information from files.
Perl Programming Perl, a popular scripting language for system administration and web development, is introduced. The reader learns the basics of Perl, such as input/output handling, regular expressions, and processing files. Examples illustrate Perl's powerful text-processing capabilities and its utility in automating repetitive tasks.
C/C++ Systems Programming A deeper look at C and C++ programming on Linux, where readers are introduced to system-level programming. It covers compiling programs, file handling, memory management, and creating efficient, low-level code for Linux environments. The section also provides examples of how to create, read, and manipulate files, as well as more advanced topics like socket programming and creating daemons.
Programming Daemons This section covers the creation of daemons—background processes that perform system tasks silently. Readers are shown how to write a simple daemon, set signal handlers, and manage system resources in the background.
Linux Loadable Kernel Modules (LKM) The book introduces the concept of Linux Loadable Kernel Modules, which extend kernel functionality without needing to reboot the system. A practical example is included, guiding the reader through the creation and management of an LKM, with pointers for further exploration.
This guide provides a solid foundation for anyone interested in developing on Linux, equipping readers with the tools and knowledge needed to confidently explore programming within the Linux ecosystem. By the end of the book, users will be prepared to automate tasks, process data, and develop powerful applications on Linux using the languages and tools explored throughout the text.