Understanding the Linux Kernel (Third Edition - Reprint)

Author: (IT) Bochette, (IT) Ciseti
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: To thoroughly understand what makes Linux operate effectively and why it performs well across various systems, you need to delve into the core aspects of the kernel. The kernel handles all interactions between the CPU and the outside world and determines which programs will share processor time in what order. It manages limited memory so efficiently that hundreds or even thousands of processes can share the system effectively. It skillfully coordinates data transfers, so the CPU doesn’t waste more time than necessary waiting for relatively slower hard drives. Understanding the Linux Kernel, Third Edition guides you through the important data structures, algorithms, and programming techniques used in the kernel. By exploring surface-level features, the authors provide valuable insights for those who want to understand how their machines work. The book discusses Intel-specific properties and analyzes code snippets line by line. However, it covers more than just the functionality of the code—it explains the theoretical foundation behind how Linux operates. This new edition covers version 2.6, which has significant cultural impact on almost every subsystem of the kernel, especially in memory management and block devices. The book focuses on the following topics: memory management, including file caching, process swapping, and direct memory access (DMA); the virtual file system layer and the second and third extended file systems; process creation and scheduling; signal handling, interrupts, and the primary interfaces for device drivers; timing; synchronization within the kernel; inter-process communication (IPC); and program execution. Understanding the Linux Kernel will give you insight into all the internal workings of Linux—it’s not just a theoretical exercise. You will learn under what conditions Linux performs best and how it meets the need for good system responsiveness when scheduling processes, accessing files, and managing memory in a variety of environments. This book will help you make the most of your Linux system.