Beginning Linux Programming, 4th Edition

Introduction

Welcome to Beginning Linux Programming, 4th Edition, an easy-to-use guide to developing programs for Linux and other UNIX-style operating systems.

In this book we aim to give you an introduction to a wide variety of topics important to you as a developer using Linux. The word Beginning in the title refers more to the content than to your skill level. We’ve structured the book to help you learn more about what Linux has to offer, however much experience you have already. Linux programming is a large field and we aim to cover enough about a wide range of topics to give you a good “beginning” in each subject.

Who’s This Book For?

If you’re a programmer who wishes to get up to speed with the facilities that Linux (or UNIX) offers software developers, to maximize your programming time and your application’s use of the Linux system, you’ve picked up the right book. Clear explanations and a tried and tested step-by-step approach will help you progress rapidly and pick up all the key techniques.

We assume you have some experience in C and/or C++ programming, perhaps in Windows or some other system, but we try to keep the book’s examples simple so that you don’t need to be an expert C coder to follow this book. Where direct comparisons exist between Linux programming and C/C++ programming, these are indicated in the text.

Watch out if you’re totally new to Linux. This isn’t a book on installing or configuring Linux. If you want to learn more about administering a Linux ...