Linux System Programming--New from O'Reilly Media

For Immediate Release
For more information, a review copy, cover art, or interview with the
author, contact:
Sara Peyton (707) 827-7118 or peyton@oreilly.com

Linux System Programming--New from O'Reilly Media
Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library

Sebastopol, CA--Nearly all programmers at some point have to deal with the
system calls and libraries of the operating system on which their programs
run. And author and kernel hacker Robert Love aims to make their
programming jobs easier. His new book--"Linux System Programming"
(O'Reilly, $49.99)--focuses on writing system software for Linux--code
that lives at a low level, and talks directly to the kernel and core
system libraries. It also describes the functions and performance
trade-offs in using standard interfaces, including advanced Linux-only
interfaces.

Love, who works in Google's Open Source Program Office, explains that he
wanted a book that provides a discussion on and reference of Unix system
programming, but specifically tailored to Linux. "How is Linux different?
What Linux-only interfaces does it provide? I wanted Linux-specific
optimizations. I wanted to know how the Linux kernel and glibc (Linux's C
library) actually implemented the routines I used. I did not want to read
about how System V did things a decade ago, or about how standard Y and
standard Z agree on something, but no one listens, anyhow. I wanted a book
solely on Linux. I believed such a tome would be useful no matter where
someone programmed in the Linux stack." 

In his insider's guide to writing smarter, faster code, Love explains not
only how system interfaces should work, but also how they actually work,
and how to use them safely and efficiently. "Linux System Programming"
contains tricks to help you write better code at any level. 

Topics covered include:

- Reading from and writing to files and other file I/O operations,
including how the Linux kernel implements and manages file I/O, memory
mappings, and optimization techniques
- System calls for process management, including real-time processes
- File and directories--creating, moving, copying, deleting, and managing
them
- Memory management--interfaces for allocating memory, managing memory,
and optimizing memory access
- Signals and their role on a Unix system, plus basic and advanced signal
interfaces
- Time, sleeping, and clock management, starting with the basics, and
covering POSIX clocks and high-resolution timers

With "Linux System Programming," gives you an in-depth look at Linux from
a theoretical and applied perspective to make the most effective use of
your system.

Robert Love has been a Linux user and hacker since the early days. He is
active in--and passionate about--the Linux kernel and GNOME desktop
communities. His recent contributions to the Linux kernel include work on
the kernel event layer and inotify. GNOME-related contributions include
Beagle, GNOME Volume Manager, NetworkManager, and Project Utopia.
Currently, Robert works in the Open Source Program Office at Google.

For more information about the book, including table of contents, index,
author bio, and samples, see:
http://www.oreilly.com/catalog/ 9780596009588/

Linux System Programming: Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library 
Robert Love
ISBN: 0-596-00958-5, $49.99 USD
order@oreilly.com
1-800-998-9938
1-707-827-7000
http://www.oreilly.com
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Sebastopol, CA 95472

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