How and What ofMastering Kernel & Embedded

Linux Programming

By Raghu Bharadwaj

Only 2 Key Skills to MasterSurprisingly there are only 2 key skills that you need to master to become a good kernel/embedded developer

GNU CAvoid learning on the outdated turbo compliers, there are also other reasons to it

Any one OS, in and outPreferably Linux, as it is open and heavily supported by developer community and also widely used in embedded industry

Once you master these two skills there is nothing more to it, but the problem is most do not quiet understand what specifically to learn and that is where all the semi learning happens

Let’s further understand this..

Learning ObjectivesCheck if you are meeting these learning objectives

GNU C• Effective ways to using C syntax for system programming

• Understanding ANSI standards

• Learning GNU extensions (important as Linux is implemented using GNU C)

• Conceptually understand C programming implications on System Software

OS (Linux)• Master programming concepts on Linux (key is to have a system/embedded

developer’s perspective when learning rather than looking at it just as any other programming platform where the focus is more on the language)

• Comprehending OS models and its implications

• Understanding OS layers fully (User and Kernel) and know how to program at each layer

• Gaining ability to work across any OS type (GPOS, Embedded and Real-time). This is only possible with mastery of the Linux Kernel at a very core level

Best ways to learnLet’s look at some popular ways to learn these skills

Self LearningIf you have it in you, go for self learning. There is lot of material on the web, technical forums, articles, books and so on, so you are never far from content.

Pros• Self learning is highly satisfying• You can learn at your own pace• No cost involved

Cons• No proper guidance• No clarity on what, where and how to start learning• Can be extremely time wasting if gone wrong

Best ways to learn

Having a MentorOne of the finest ways to acquire the desired skills is to have a good mentor

Pros• Mentoring again induces self learning which is highly satisfying• Guidance from the mentor of how, where and what to learn• Mostly faster than self-learning

Cons• Finding the right mentor• Can be time wasting as it involves self learning and may lack of mentor’s

quality time

Best ways to learn

Professional Training OrganizationsThe best and one of the fast and easiest ways to get skilled

Pros• Structured and time bound learning• High Mentor/Instructor availability• Peer interaction• Effective training methodology

Cons• Finding the right training organization• May lack individual attention• Costly compared to all other modes

So choose your learning mode wisely and start early

For any assistance please email us at info@techveda.org

About Veda Solutions

• Exclusive Professional and Corporate trainings on Linux system/embedded programming since 2001

• Delivered over 30 corporate trainings to over 25 companies including Xilinx, TCS, Cognizant, Sasken, NCR, Broadcom, TechMahindra, GE, UTC, Defense Labs etc.

• First in the world to offer Online video based courses on Linux Kernel, Drivers and Embedded

• Participants from across 7 nations

• Exclusively known for in-depth trainings on Linux

• Un-comparable training quality delivered by Raghu Bharadwaj (It’s a guarantee)