Product Description
LINUX® Programming combines the latest release of Slackware LINUX with a slew of programming tools needed by any programmer interested in UNIX, LINUX, and C. This book shows you everything you need to know to program on LINUX using any of the most popular programming languages, including C, C++, Java, Perl, Fortran, and Tcl. And the CD-ROM comes directly from Patrick Volkerding, the creator of Slackware.

If you want to take the next step beyond setting up, installing, and configuring LINUX, this book is for you. Volkerding, Johnson, and Reichard show you how to make the most effective use of LINUX by creating your own software or porting existing software packages to LINUX.

With this book:

Get the most out of C and C++ with the GNU compilerUse GNU to automate your software development tasksCreate friendly user interfaces and pick from a variety of GUI toolsGenerate Motif applications with the freeware LessTif libraryLearn programming alternatives like Eiffel, Objective C, Fortran, Basic, LISP, and ModulaCreate Java applications and Web appletsScript in Perl or Tcl for faster developmentOn the CD-ROM:

Complete Slackware LINUX operating systemEverything you need to compile, link, run, and debug C, C++, Perl, and Tcl programs, including a free Motif clone called LessTifAmazon.com Review
If you're intrigued by what you've heard about Linux--the freeUnix-workalike operating system embraced by numerous hackers and Webdevelopers--then Linux Programming will offer everything you'll needto check it out for yourself. The book comes with a CD that includes theSlackware Linux distribution, and it covers not only how to set up Linuxbut what you can do with it. Linux Programming covers a smorgasbordof topics describing what you can do with C, C++, Perl, Tcl, Java, XWindow, and LessTif (a Motif replacement), and offering tips on debuggingand programming tools. Because the book tries to cover so much ground, itinevitably ends up seeming shallow in any individual area, but as a quickoverview that will let you get started with Linux, it fills the bill. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Good book but not really useful for learning programming.
I agree with the previous poster's comments on the viability of this bookfor learning programming.The title is all wrong; it's not specificallyabout programming!HOWEVER, it is a very good book for those new to Linuxin that it answers alot of the questions that new users have.Ithighlights the many of the strengths of LINUX from a UNIX point of view. i.e. pipes, redirections, job-control, Xconfiguration, programming basics.Patrick Volkerding does a very good job of demonstrating Linux anddetailing it's true power. This book should be renamed "Gettingstarted in LINUX".If it was...I'd give it five starz!

Not worth the cover price!
Caveat Emptor. I bought this book without really looking at it first...what a mistake! Of the 370 total pages, the first 114 pages are aboutinstalling the Slackware CD included in the back cover (installing andconfiguring Linux was covered in the first of this series of books).Those114 pages might have been better used to cover "programming" inLinux. The 2nd chapter [C Programming Tools and Linux] goes from page 115to page 134 (less than 18 pages of content). The 3rd chapter [X WindowsProgramming] goes from page 135 to page 179 (less than 44 pages ofcontent). Chapter 4 [Using Tcl] goes from page 181 to page 201 (less than19 pages). And so on... The book tries to cover too much. Most of theinformation is not even useful for doing anything, not even introductory innature. I'm sorry Ibought the book, and I hope this review will keepothers from wasting their money on it. All in all, this is one of the worstcomputer books I've ever purchased, and I'm very sorry I got it. ... Read more

Product Description
This book concentrates on how to use the system services provided by the UNIX operating system kernel. It is designed to provide information about application programming in a UNIX system environment and supplements texts on programming by concentrating on the other elements that are part of getting application programs into operation. ... Read more

Product Description
A scientist’s and engineer’s guide to Workstations and Supercomputers Crack the Unix code and put its power to work for you. If you’re seeking such clear-cut guidance, your search will end with the first Unix survival manual designed specifically for practicing scientists and engineers like you. Avoiding the narrower concerns and complicated jargon of computer science, this guide shows you how to master the complexities of accomplishing computer projects—from start to finish—predominantly under a Unix operating system. With the help of clarifying examples and tutorials, you’ll learn how to write and organize files and programs as well as run, debug, and visualize the results of scientific programs on workstations and supercomputers. At the same time, you’ll discover how to complete these projects while working on other systems and on other versions of Unix. This user-friendly guide offers you the basics on Unix commands and on setting up and using workstations, and goes on to simplify the once-daunting tasks of transferring files between workstations and adjusting X Windows. You’ll also gain a solid grasp of more advanced Unix tools, such as its sophisticated editing, filing, and debugging capabilities, and of programming computers with differing architectures. Complete with accompanying computer disk packed with practice programs and data files, this book will increase your creativity, productivity, and effectiveness on the job by demonstrating how you can quickly learn to wield one of your most formidable tools—the Unix system. Covers all major versions of Unix and systems from major hardware vendors, including: System V, BSD, IBM’s AIX, SUNOS, HP-UX, Unicos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Very practical and useful book
As another reviewer has mentioned, the book is very practical. It treats almost all the topics you will sometime encounter in your scientific/research career, if you work on Unix systems. I could have saveda lot of time looking for freeware had I first looked in this book. Thebook covers the use of gnuplot, the free plotting program, and alsomentions many very useful utilities. Personally, I downloaded xmgrace, asuperb graphing free software. Customizing xterm windows and the motifwindow manager are some of the other things I found interesting. Now, myworkstation menu features everything I will use in the course of the day.(Much like windows 95, only more powerful). It took me two years to learnthrough trial what is here!

It's a very good dollars
It's a wonderful book for both beginner and advanced users of UNIX system. Its comprehensive contents help me learn every aspects of UNIX needed in scientific field. I learned many new things by reading this book. I am veryexciting. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides a brief explanation of the procedures and concepts involved with the Perl language and its task-oriented applications, demonstrating short cuts to creating living, interactive web pages. Original. (Advanced). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All the essentials needed of WWW programming in Perl!
I bought this books at the same time I boughtPerl 5 Interactive Course : Certified Edition. This book really taught me how to write CGI scripts in Perl for the web! At that time, I was only writing scripts for my owncomputer. Programming for the web is a totally different thing. You'll needto parse form inputs etc. This book taught me everything I needed to knowabout programming for the web. It contained lots of examples. The bookitself was nicely divided into 16 chapters, all of which were simple, easyto understand, yet concise and clear. Some people say this book gives moreinformation on Perl. I say it taught me everything about programming forthe web. You truly won't regret it if you buy it! ... Read more

Product Description
Provides guidelines on how to develop a menu and form-based interface that operates on ASCII terminals. Covers FMLI, a high-level program for creating menus, forms and text frames, and ETI, a set of screen management library subroutines that promote fast development of application programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Look for other books
You need more than this book to be able to kick start C. I recommend Reading Advance Unix Shell Scripting followed by Advance C programming first before reading this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Aimed at new programmers of WinPerl, a high-powered instruction manual covers the Perl OOP structure, socket programming, HTML conversions, and building an Internet search utility. Original. (Intermediate). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Rushed into hardcopy
QUE must have pushed this book into print. As other reviewers have noted, one has to have dogged determination and stamina to digest this book. It presents a confusing, unrelated and diverse array of "my pet way doit" by several authors. The examples on the CD are pathetic - alllumped into one directory, no readme file(s), incomplete and therefore notrunnable as-is. Example: to extract the files related to Ch 9 requiredsifting through the entire chapter, and then register.htm and its CGIbackend were conspicuously missing. However, after bludgeoning my waythrough most of the book, I have extracted a small number of gems that areactually useful in real-life projects. The CD contains this whole book plustwo others in HTML format. A nice idea, but each one is disorganized by atotally different team of people. There is no unified 'look-n-feel' andnavigation is painful in all three books. Good as a reference, shop for it2nd hand (and pay only what it is worth).

Very good if you want to make websites using Perl/CGI
I've read at least 6 books on perl, but if you want to specifically learn perl for websites, then this book is very good.It talks about databases (DBMs and SQL).Managing sessions and validating users, and it also talksabout creating a shopping cart system.There is a chapter on CGIsercurity.Although the book was written in 1996 its a very good step inthe right direction of making good, reliable CGI applications.In fact,compared to other CGI books printed in 96, this book is years ahead ofthem.

Be patient, and it'll pay off
When I bought this book, I had absolutely no serious programming background. I was pretty accomplished in HTML, but nothing advanced.At first, the book was a bit hard. But the technique that I found helpful isto re-read each section (or each topic). I haven't even looked on the CDyet, and I'm learning loads about Perl. Also, reading this book reallyhelps one understand some more advanced Perl tutorials on the web. Itdoesn't get 5 stars though, because the reader has to really be committed. This isn't a light read: get in the thinking mood when you read it.

Potential to be good but lacking some source code.
This book had the potential to be very good and I did learn some things from it, but many of the example results lacked the source code that generated the results.In addition, much of the source code that was inthe book was not on the included CD.

It is Not GOOD don't buy it
the fisrt chapters are clear, then the book starts to use strange statements and never explained so i didn't read it all I have thrown it in the garbage... ... Read more

Product Description
A guide for UNIX developers who want accurate information on getting up to speed with Mac OS X and its software development environment, this book provides programmers all the information they need to understand and use the operating system, its development tools, and key technologies such as Darwin, Cocoa, and AppleScript. Users are introduced to the UNIX-based foundations of Mac OS X and shown how they fit into Mac OS X architecture.Also provided is coverage of both GUI and command-line software development tools, realistic programming examples that developers will encounter, and a discussion of Macintosh-style software development. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Broad, not deep
This book is a case in point for accurate titles. The book is exactly what it says it is, a wide overview of all of the different ways for 'Programming Mac OS X'. It starts with a brief history of the operating system, then talks about the operating system basics. It then covers at a high level building applications with Java, Objective-C, Carbon, Applescript and Perl. This includes sections on the tools to use to develop in these languages, and in some basic introductions to get you started on that platform.

In Manning style the graphics are effective, and the code samples are not overused and are well commented. Chapters three and four, which cover Project Builder and the standard compilers, stand out as the heart of the book. Chapter seven, on Applescript, is particularly appreciated because of the lack of documentation or books on this subject.

The book fills a unique roll. It covers all of the different programming possibilities at a level that gives you perspective of the entire playing field. If you want to drill down into say, Java programming, you will need to buy another book. But if you are unfamiliar with OS X and you are looking to program for it, you should take a look at this book to get a feel for the possibilities.

Good Introduction to Mac OS X programming tools
The intent of this book is to introduce Unix developers to Mac OS X.As such, I think it does a pretty good job.It doesn't go in to great depth; for example another reviewer complained about its lack of coverage for Carbon or mixed mode programming.That's not entirely fair though given its intent: while some Unix developers may be interested in producing OS9 capable apps, my bet is that most are just going to ignore anything prior to X entirely - and they should!There is a small appendix that covers the history ofMac OS prior to X, but it does not cover programming and I don't think it should.

I do have some minor criticism.I had never even looked at Project Builder/Interface Builder (the programming IDE) before picking up this book.There's a good sized introductory chapter on using this for a simple project.I worked through it, but it wasn't entirely easy sailing.I'm not sure whether that was because Project Builder has changed slightly since this writing, or if the author is just so familiar with it that he accidentally used incorrect language here and there.In any case, I found myself confused at certain points.However, there were no show stoppers: if you are a developer, you will understand the goal and enough of the concepts not to get hung up by these small errors or omissions.While I might wish these things were more carefully reviewed by having an unfamiliar user actually run through them, I don't see this as a major weakness at all.

In addition to Project Builder and Interface builder, this covers Objective-C, and Applescript.It isn't going to teach you much about either of these; you'll need other books for that.But it will introduce you to them, lead you through building a simple example applicatio, show you how the Apple debugging tools work, and show you how to create HTML documentation for use with Apple's Help Viewer.

Better for UNIX developers who have never seen a Mac before.
This was a pretty average book in my opinion...not terribly compelling in spots, and occasionally a bit over-the-top in its love affair with the Mac.

IMHO, it's really a book designed to show UNIX developers how to become Cocoa developers, and if you fall into that category of developer and are new to the Mac, then the book may be worth a quick read.

What this book won't help you with is working in Carbon environments, or working in mixed MachO/CFM environments, or working on projects that are built partially with Project Builder and partially with other tools (such as Code Warrior).

Unfortunately, most commercial Mac based development has to deal with one or more of these mixed-environment issues for a variety of reasons I won't go into here.

Finally, the book's coverage on debugging tools is also rather disappointing.Certainly GDB deserves at least a whole paragraph to itself *somewhere* in the book. ... Read more

Product Description
The UNIX desktop is a user-friendly front end to the UNIX operating system and is available on many platforms. This book provides guidance for programmers who want to take advantage of the programming facilities available in UNIX desktop. The book covers the file class database and the Windowing Korn SHell. ... Read more

Product Description
This all-in-one tutorial and reference shows beginning to advanced Linux programmers how to build graphical user interfaces for desktop applications that will run in the Windows-like K desktop environment (KDE). Expert author Arthur Griffith covers everything from simple windows and menus to dialog boxes and other advanced widgets. The CD-ROM contains the latest version of KDE. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Pretty good...
... but still, my first impression is not so good, because some of the examples don't compile under KDE 2.1. This makes them useless. The book provides, on the other hand, very good introduction to Qt/KDE, with focus on basic functionality (no multimedia, etc.). ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

indispensible title on my computer bookshelf
This has been one of those books that I constantly refer to.Not only is it good for learning some of the unique C things that apply to Unix, but you can also learn how to get around in Unix.This is the book I learned C from, and it's still one of the first ones I go to when I need to refresh my brain about something. ... Read more

Product Description

Customize Applications for Maximum Availability in Sun Cluster Environments

The Sun Cluster 3 environment offers developers and administrators a powerful API for creating custom "data services" that maximize the availability and enhance the horizontal scalability of many enterprise applications. Now, here's an authoritative tutorial and reference to building custom data services with the Sun Cluster 3 API. In Sun Cluster 3 Programming, three leading Sun Cluster experts systematically review the tools, programming interfaces, and features that make custom data services possible. Then, through a series of step-by-step examples, they demonstrate how to ensure that applications can recover smoothly from even the most serious failures.

This book

• Reviews every facet of "availability" and what it takes to make software available

• Provides extensive easy-to-understand code examples, all available for download

• Covers all areas of agent development, from quick basics to advanced techniques

• Covers all the APIs provided with Sun Cluster 3

• Walks step-by-step through making existing applications available, scalable, and cluster-aware

Until now, this information has been available only in a three-day Sun training course. Now, with the help of Sun's in-house experts, you have all the information you need to build Sun Cluster 3 custom applications that deliver unprecedented levels of application availability.

Customer Reviews (2)

A must read for a Sun Cluster user
There are a number of ways to learn your way around the Sun Microsystems's Cluster 3 (SC3) software such as spending thousands of dollars on the training course, or you can simply read Sun Cluster 3 Programming by Joseph Bianco, et. al. and save yourself lots of money.This book has been written and reviewed by some of Sun's best architects and engineers, so the information presented is not only actuate but also very applicable to how end-users are using the product.Even if you have taken the training course and have been using the software for sometime, this book is still a valuable reference to be added to your bookshelf.

In short, "Sun Cluster is a powerful software environment capable of providing high levels of application availability to almost any application."There are a number of applications such as Oracle, Sybase, DB2, SAP and many others that can directly take advantage of the SC3 environment, but the book also demonstrates how one can write applications using the provided API to achieve the same goal.Being one of the pioneers in the high-performance computing realm, one can learn much from the ins and outs of the SC3 environment.I personally think that SC3's Resource Group Manager (RGM) is simply the state of the art.RGM, which is covered in detail in this book, is the monitoring module that all the other software applications that run on the cluster interact with using an event-driven callback model.RGM is configured to check the state of the cluster, and in case of an event, use one of the registered callbacks to take actions.The callback methods hover around the application and take actions when necessary.This allows for an automated response in case of a failure, and makes the task of cluster management a lot simpler.In addition to giving an overview of what makes up the Sun Cluster software, the authors go thru the entire set of Resource Management API (RMAPI).RMAPI is used to interface with the RGM, and is integrated into your application to make your application "cluster aware".

The authors introduce two types of applications: cluster aware applications and cluster compatible applications.The chances are that your application is cluster compatible, and with the RGM, you can still manage your applications at a high level (start, stop, check process status, etc).With the RMAPI, you can make your applications be cluster aware, which means that you can more tightly integrate and thus control the internals of your applications with the RGM.The authors spend the part of the book on how to make your application cluster aware.The SC3 API's are written in the C programming language, but various scripting languages can also be used.The API's can also be wrapped in C++, and the object oriented way which the SC3 is architected makes the task of wrapping the API's very simple.

The authors bring the book to a closure with a full blown example of two applications that: one that is cluster compatible and one that we want to make use of the available API's and make cluster aware.The authors go thru the example step-by-step, and explain each step thoroughly.The readers learn the process, and use this example for future development.

I recommend this book to anyone using or interested in the Sun Cluster 3 application.The authors are experienced Sun architects and engineers, and provide the readers with valuable information about the internals of the Sun Cluster 3 environment.

Short and sweet
This is a quick jaunt through the Sun clustering APIs, primarily in C. You will get a good introduction from it, but there will be a lot more to learn. There is a practical example with MySQL. Overall the tone is pretty dry and terse. The introduction should have been a lot longer. More information on hardware configurations, and some reference to Java would have been nice as well. ... Read more

Product Description
New for UNIX System V Release 4.2, this guide contains the latest information for writing, installing and testing UNIX System V device drivers. It provides an in-depth explanation of new SVR4.2 features such as dynamically loadable kernel modules, the new device driver installation tools and the new system configuration file formats. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Look for other books
You need more than this book to be able to kick start C. I recommend Reading Advance Unix Shell Scripting followed by Advance C programming first before reading this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This work explores Emacs customization on UNIX, showing, by means of a tutorial approach, how to access, customize and load Emacs and how to carry out basic editing operations. ... Read more

Product Description
Practical XView Programming Written by a team of experts, this comprehensive guidebook shows you how to get the most from this powerful development package.Practical XView Programming thoroughly explains the four main functions of XView for X Windows systems programmers, C programmers, and UNIX systems administrators.Easy-to-follow, this practical guide clarifies the parts of XView that trip up most people. Clearly describes attribute packages for implementing the Open Windows interfaceIncludes treatment of interactive and other graphics topics not found elsewhereProvides ready-to-run code examplesPresents a host of practical and proven XView hints and tipsProvides sample programs, including ADDUAdd User Interface, and MSGBOARDMessage BoardSpecial Appendices explain how to use Archie and provide icon listingsOffers proven advice on designing menus including information on pull down menus, pull right menus, and popup menusWalks you through the necessary steps for most effectively designing program menu systemsDiscusses changing fonts and assigning keyboard accelerators ... Read more

Product Description
This book shows experienced programmers, primarily those familiar with UNIX, how to write multi-tasked and distributed applications for the new 32-bit Windows operating systems, Windows NT and Windows 95. Distinguishing it from other Windows books that cover the graphical user interface elements of Windows, this book focuses on core operating system resources, such as memory, processes, files, communication, and security.Amazon.com Review
Not all programming takes place on the client side. For somebackground on server-side and system programming, take a look atWin32 System Programming. This readable textbook-style guidediscusses a subject that traditionally belonged to Unixprogrammers. Now that Win32 (specifically Windows NT) has emerged as apopular alternative to industrial strength multitasking, systemprogrammers with Unix experience may want to retool their skills forthis new platform. That's the idea behind this book, which presentsthe fundamentals of traditional system programming, but in a Win32context.

Win32 System Programming begins with file I/O inWindows NT (and Windows 95) and moves on to more advanced topics, suchas structured exception handling, memory-mapped files, andsecurity. The author then proceeds to multitasking in Win32, includingthe basics of creating and managing multiple threads, interprocesscommunication (through named pipes), and thread synchronization. Theselatter two topics adopt an older-style client-server approach, butthere is a chapter on creating Microsoft ISAPI .DLLs on a Web serverthat shows how system programming is still a very vital area ofprogramming. The book closes with a discussion of "fibers,"which are a quick fix to porting Unix-style applications to Win32, andwith a quick look at the Windows Registry. Short programming exercisesat the end of each chapter make this book a natural fit for theclassroom or for anyone needing a digestible introduction to the partsof Windows programming that users never see. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

great *introduction* to non-GUI programming
I needed an intro to win32 which (a) concentrated on everything but theGUI, for server-side apps (b) wasn't just a part printout of MSDN,Microsoft's not-hugely-elegant-but-at-least-complete documentation onEverything (c) made use of pure win32 calls, not MFC, VB, or equivalentbloat.

This book did the job, going through file access, process andmemory management, security, IPC, and threads. It uses a tutorial style,giving you enough to get you understanding the basic concepts before divinginto MSDN, with scattered code examples and accompanying CD.

The style isvery readable, and my only significant criticism is that it does notintroduce enough topics, tailing off with rather a weak discussion of DLLsand ISAPI. Since the book is aimed particularly at Unix systemsprogrammers, with its implementation of Unix commands and drawing ofparallels, the reader will probably feel comfortable enough with win32 bythe end anyway.

Ideal for UNIX programmers migrating to Win32
This is an excellent book. It provides enough information to give the reader a sound understanding of the Win32 System Services; but, it doesn'toverburden him with minutiae that can be acquired from MSDN later -- ifneeded. The author's frequent comparisons of the Win32 System Services withthose of UNIX are very effective in enabling the UNIX developer to bridgethe conceptual gulf to Windows.

Good book, but check the errata file
I just wanted to say that you should check -thoroughly- the errata info onthe book (www.aw.com/devpress). I've lost a few days of work because thebook failed to mention that named pipes cannot be created under windows 95.The book is, however, quite good.

Concise Introduction to Win32 System Programming
I enjoyed reading this book. I liked the comparisons with Unix, and I especially liked theconciseness and value for money (too many Windows books are too thick and overpriced).

The web page supporting the book is outstanding and the author is very responsive to feedback.

Having said that I enjoyed the conciseness, I'm looking forward to a second edition with more detail and examples (on I/O completion ports, for instance).

I thoroughly recommend this book as good value for money; I'm sure you'll find the time to read it from cover to cover.

An excellent text, which I have thoroughly enjoyed reading
Mr Hart has produced a detailed and authoritative account of the Win32 subsystem interface.Rather than many texts which simply list the Win32 API, Hart adds considerable value by introducing essential "how-to" design considerations which will simplify the life of any Windows NT/95 developer.

Win32 System Programming tackles many difficult topics, such as synchronization issues, fibers, file handling, asynch I/O and error processing.These are presented in a way that is understandable to both newcomers and more experienced developers.As well as introducing these individual concepts, the reader feels as though the author understands the 'big picture'- there are common links of discussion throughout the text.

I would suggest that all Windows developers would benefit from an understanding of the material this work contains.Experienced readers will appreciate the sound foundations of Operating System and in particular Concurrency theory on which this text is based, whereas beginners will find an essential core reference to support further forrays into the world of Win32 development.

Not all aspects of Win32 are covered, in particular coverage of the GUI is ommitted- however the book is not sold on this basis.I believe that developers armed with the information in Win32 System Programming will have a considerable advantage in approaching many important subjects in the future.For example, there is a very revealing insight into the techniques used in Hart's application server designs and the threading model used in COM.

In short- it contains information that every developer must know if they are to successfully develop reliable and performant applications for the Windows 32 platform. This text may also be relevant to students of Operating Systems.I for one will eagerly await a second edition! ... Read more