Program Overview

Dive into the intricate world of Linux kernel development with our specialized course on Linux Character Device Driver Development. Tailored for embedded systems engineers, kernel developers, and advanced computing students, this course offers a deep dive into the architecture, design, and implementation of character device drivers in Linux. Through a blend of theoretical insights and hands-on labs, participants will learn to develop, debug, and maintain robust device drivers, manage hardware resources, and ensure seamless communication between kernel space and user space. From mastering file operations and interrupt handling to navigating synchronization challenges and integrating drivers with user applications, this course equips you with the essential skills to excel in the realm of Linux kernel development. Prepare to embark on a journey that will not only enhance your programming prowess but also open doors to exciting opportunities in the field of low-level systems programming.

Target Audience

Professionals: Embedded systems engineers, kernel developers, and hardware engineers interested in Linux driver development.
Students: Advanced computer science or engineering students with a strong interest in low-level programming and operating systems.
Hobbyists: Tech enthusiasts with a background in Linux and programming, looking to expand their skills into driver development.

Duration

* 25 working days

* 25 online sessions

* 25 Lab assignments

Learning Objective

Understand the Linux kernel architecture and its subsystems relevant to device drivers.
Develop, debug, and maintain character device drivers in Linux.
Implement file operations, handle interrupts, and manage memory in the context of device drivers.
Apply best practices for synchronizing access to hardware resources.
Integrate drivers with user space applications and the kernel build system.

Prerequisites

For a course focused on Linux Character Device Driver Development, it's essential to ensure participants have a solid foundation in several key areas to facilitate effective learning and application of concepts. Here are the recommended prerequisites:

Programming Skills

* Proficient in C Programming: Deep understanding of C programming language, including pointers, structures, memory allocation, and bitwise operations, as it's the primary language used for Linux kernel development.
* Basic Scripting Knowledge: Familiarity with shell scripting can be beneficial for automating tasks within the Linux environment.

Linux Fundamentals

* Linux Operating System Basics: Comfortable using the Linux command line for tasks like navigating the file system, manipulating files, and basic system administration.
* Understanding of Linux Internals: Knowledge of core Linux concepts such as processes, threads, memory management, and the file system hierarchy.

Systems Programming

* Experience with Systems Programming: Understanding of system-level programming concepts, including process management, inter-process communication, and system calls.

Computer Architecture and Hardware

* Computer Architecture: Basic understanding of computer architecture, including CPUs, memory (RAM, caches), storage devices, and peripheral interfaces (e.g., USB, PCI).
* Hardware Interaction: Familiarity with how software interacts with hardware, including concepts like memory-mapped I/O and port-mapped I/O.

Networking and Concurrency

* Concurrency Mechanisms: Understanding of concurrency and synchronization mechanisms (e.g., mutexes, semaphores) and issues like race conditions and deadlocks.
* Basic Networking Knowledge: While not directly related to device driver development, understanding networking basics can be helpful for network driver development.

Development Tools and Practices

* Version Control Systems: Proficiency in using version control, especially Git, for source code management.
* Build Tools: Familiarity with Linux build tools like Makefiles and knowledge of the compilation process.

Problem-Solving Skills

* Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically about complex issues.
* Debugging Skills: Basic debugging skills in a Linux environment, including using tools like gdb and understanding core dumps.

This course assumes that participants are not beginners in programming or Linux usage. It's designed for individuals who already have a good grasp of software development principles and are looking to specialize in the more advanced area of Linux kernel and device driver development.

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Linux Kernel and Device Drivers

Overview of the Linux kernel architecture

Types of device drivers in Linux (character, block, network)

Setting up a development environment

Module 2: Basics of Character Device Drivers

Creating and registering a character device

Implementing file operations (open, read, write, close)

Device file creation and the device model (udev)

Module 3: Advanced Character Device Driver Concepts

Interrupt handling and bottom halves

Memory management in device drivers (kmalloc, vmalloc, etc.)

Accessing hardware (I/O ports, memory-mapped I/O)

Module 4: Synchronization and Concurrency

Mutexes, spinlocks, and semaphores

Race conditions and deadlock prevention

Atomic operations and lock-free techniques

Module 5: Integration with User Space

Communicating with user space (ioctl, procfs, sysfs)

Memory mapping and DMA

User space drivers with UIO and VFIO

Module 6: Debugging and Testing Device Drivers

Kernel debugging tools (printk, kdb, kgdb)

Unit testing for device drivers

Best practices and code review

Module 7: Real-World Driver Development Project

Designing and implementing a driver for a real or simulated device

Documentation and maintaining driver code

Upstream contribution to the Linux kernel (optional)

Course Delivery

* Online: Utilize platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or a custom Learning Management System (LMS) for a wider reach.

* In-person: Conduct classes in a classroom setting, which is particularly beneficial for hands-on labs and real-time debugging sessions.

* Hybrid: Combine online theory sessions with in-person or virtual labs for flexibility and hands-on experience.

Training Methodology

* Lectures: Develop slides and lecture notes that cover both theoretical concepts and practical applications.

* Hands-On Labs: Design lab exercises and projects that give students hands-on experience in writing, debugging, and testing drivers.

* Reading Assignments: Curate a list of resources, such as kernel documentation, books, and articles on driver development.

* Videos: Create or curate video tutorials to demonstrate key concepts and coding techniques.

This course on Linux Character Device Driver Development is designed to take participants from understanding basic concepts to being able to develop and contribute to real-world Linux drivers, preparing them for advanced roles in system-level programming and kernel development.

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