Essentials of Linux System Programming

Duration: 3 days

Hardware: STM32 MPUs microprocessor devices from STMicroelectronics

Software: Visual Studio Code

Training Board: STM32MP157F-DK2

Skill level: Intermediate

Certificate: Provided

Beyond Training Service: After your training period is over with HexoSys, we won’t leave you alone. You can reach out to us at info@HexoSys.com for any kind of support. We are here to offer consultation, project implementation, and technical support tailored to your specific needs.

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Course Overview

This intensive course covers critical facets of Embedded Linux system programming, including Linux system calls, file operations, signals, process lifecycle, program execution, cross-toolchains, cross-debugging in embedded systems, and crash troubleshooting. Participants will gain practical skills through lectures and hands-on workshops, fostering a profound understanding of Linux system programming.

Training Objectives

After completing this course, you will:

Understand the fundamentals of Linux system calls and their significance.
Gain proficiency in file operations, signal handling, and process lifecycle management.
Acquire practical skills in executing programs and utilizing essential system programming techniques.

Target Audience

Students, software developers, system administrators, and individuals seeking a solid foundation in Linux system programming.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of the Linux operating system and C programming and Embedded Systems.

Teaching Methodology

Instructional strategies include lectures, discussions, demonstrations, and workshop-based learning which are used to convey information, facilitate learning, and promote understanding.
Technology integration Hands-on workshops and exercises to reinforce theoretical concepts. Hands-on workshops and exercises to reinforce theoretical concepts.
Learning activities Integration of Linux environment for practical exercises.

Course Outlines

Linux System Calls, File Operations, SSH Deployment and Introduction to libgpiod

Introduction to System Programming
Overview of Linux System Architecture
Linux System Calls:
- Understanding System Calls and their importance.
- Common System Calls in Linux.
File Systems in Linux:
- Inodes and directory structures
- File permissions and attributes.
Learn cross-toolchains for embedded systems, enabling remote deployment via SSH for efficient testing.
🧪 Lab exercise: Hello World Deployment with SSH (Lab1 Manual)
- Task: Develop a "Hello World" program, deploy it to the target using SSH, and test it.
- Objective: Understand the process of deploying applications remotely using SSH.
🧪 Lab exercise: Blinking LED using libgpiod (Lab2 Manual)
- Task: Modify the C program to blink an LED using libgpiod for basic GPIO operations.
- Objective: Gain hands-on experience with libgpiod and understand GPIO operations.

Signals and Interprocess Communication (IPC) Basics

Understanding Signals in Linux
Signal Handling and Signal Sets
IPC Mechanisms Overview:
- Pipes
- Message Queues
🧪 Lab exercise: Signal-Driven Processes (Lab3 Manual)
- Task: Implement a program with multiple processes communicating through signals. Use signals for synchronization and process termination.
- Objective: Apply signal handling techniques in Interprocess communication scenarios.

Process Lifecycle, Execution, and Other Concepts - GDB

Process Creation and Termination
Process States and Transitions
Process Synchronization
Error Handling and Debugging Techniques
Memory Management in C and Linux
Executing Programs in Linux:
- The exec family of functions
- Environment variables and command-line arguments
🧪 Lab exercise: Process Execution and Coordination (Lab4 Manual)
- Task: Create a program that demonstrates process creation, execution, and coordination. Utilize the fork () system call and explore process synchronization.
- Objective: Understand the process lifecycle and coordination mechanisms between parent and child processes.
🧪 Lab exercise: Introduction to GDB and Coredump Analysis (Lab5 Manual)
- Task: Design a lab to work with GDB, debug a program, and analyze crashes using coredump.
- Objective: Understand the use of GDB for debugging and analyze crashes by employing coredump analysis.