The Linux Programming Interface

This book is aimed primarily at the following audience: z programmers and software designers building applications for Linux, other UNIX systems, or other POSIX-conformant systems; z programmers porting applications between Linux and other UNIX implementations or between Linux and other operating systems; z instructors and advanced students teaching or learning Linux or UNIX system programming; and z system managers and “power users” wishing to gain a greater understanding of the Linux/UNIX programming interface and of how various pieces of system software are implemented. I assume you have some prior programming experience, but no previous system programming experience is required. I also assume you have a reading knowledge of the C programming language, and know how to use the shell and common Linux or UNIX commands. If you are new to Linux or UNIX, you will find it helpful to read the programmer-oriented review of fundamental concepts of Linux and UNIX systems in Chapter 2.