Linux Kernel Programming: Write Your First Device Driver

Delving into the Linux kernel can feel intimidating, but understanding how the core of the operating system interacts with hardware is a superpower for any systems developer. This course demystifies the kernel, guiding you step-by-step through its architecture and inner workings. You will transition from user-space programming to kernel-space development, gaining the confidence to write, compile, and load your own kernel modules and character device drivers. What you'll learn: - Understand the fundamental architecture of the Linux kernel and how it manages system resources. - Write and compile custom kernel modules using the standard Kbuild build system. - Develop functional character device drivers to communicate between user space and kernel space. - Navigate core kernel data structures, memory allocation mechanisms, and concurrency primitives like mutexes. - Apply modern debugging techniques and tracing tools to troubleshoot kernel code safely. The course begins with foundational concepts, distinguishing user space from kernel space, before walking you through writing your first module. You will then progress to handling device registration, file operations, memory management, and basic synchronization. Designed for programmers with a basic grasp of the C language and command-line Linux who want to take their first steps into system-level development, this text-based guide requires no prior kernel experience. Start reading today to unlock the power of system-level programming in Linux.