A 28-page book chapter about loadable Linux kernel modules and device drivers is available for free download. Entitled “Kernel Modules and Device Drivers,” the chapter is excerpted from the second edition of Linux for Embedded and Real-Time Applications, by Doug Abbott.

Abbott's book was published in April of this year, following revisions to reflect the 2.6-series kernel, and 100 pages of additions covering uCLinux and the Eclipse IDE.

Abbott is an independent consultant and trainer who writes software for industrial, scientific, and embedded applications. He also teaches classes in embedded Linux technology and real-time programming, for the University of California Berkeley Extension. Additionally, Abbott edits LinuxDevices.com's sister site, WindowsForDevices.com.

The sample chapter shows how kernel modules can be loaded, unloaded, compiled, and architected. It then offers a real-world example that requires some minimal soldering, before launching into a discussion of Linux kernel module debugging.

Download the 28-page sample chapter, which is a PDF file, here (*):

Overall, the book addresses topics that include:

• The GNU toolchain
• Configuring and building the kernel
• Debugging on the target
• Kernel modules
• Device drivers
• Embedded networking
• Real-time programming tips and techniques
• The RTAI environment

An accompanying CD-ROM contains:

• Source code for the book's examples
• BlueCat Linux
• Kernel source tree, version 2.6.7
• RTAI
• Eclipse
• Useful utilities

Availability

The 352-page book is available now, direct from Elsevier, priced at $55.95. Additional information, including the full table of contents and a user review form can be found here.

(*) The sample chapter is reproduced by LinuxDevices.com with permission from Newnes, a division of Elsevier. Copyright (c) 2006. “Linux for Embedded and Real-time Applications” Second Edition by Doug Abbott. For more information about this title and other similar books, please visit www.newnespress.com.

 
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