Embedded Linux Primer

s1axter writes "Embedded system development is crucial in this day of high tech specialized appliances and devices. However much of the knowledge of embedded development resides in the heads of engineers who have been doing it for years. The hardware aspect of embedded systems is now available to the smaller startup companies, however many specialized, proprietary operating systems are not. This is where Linux and the book Embedded Linux Primer: A Practical Real-World Approach enters. Embedded Linux Primer is written to introduce engineers and designers to using the Linux operating systems for embedded applications." Read on for s1axter's review.

Embedded Linux Primer
author	Christopher Hallinan
pages	537
publisher	Prentice Hall
rating	9
reviewer	s1axter
ISBN	0-13-167984-8
summary	A Practical Real-World Approach to Embedded Linux

Prentice Hall's Embedded Linux Primer by Christopher Hallinan was published September 18th, 2006 as part of their Open Source Software Development Series. Very much like a textbook, Embedded Linux Primer is very informative and an excellent source of information for an engineer looking to enter or move to the embedded Linux field. The text is a decent size, with 537 pages spanning 17 chapters and 6 appendices; it retails for around $45 USD.

I had some reservations on reviewing a detailed technical book since most of the ones I have are dry and have a very segmented structure. However after taking a look at the sample chapter, chapter 7 "Bootloaders", available on the Prentice Hall website along with the table of contents for the text I figured I would give it a look and I am very glad I did.

Many technical books focus on a specific demographic in the technology world, mostly beginners or professionals expanding their knowledge base. I was quite pleased to see this text is written for both professional developers and emerging embedded engineers.

Professional engineers will find the text informative on the Linux operating system and how flexible it is to implement on even the most custom hardware. The author understands that a large number of embedded system engineers work with proprietary systems and explains items that might be new and different than these systems. For example Chapters 4-6 detail the Linux boot sequence and describe common pitfalls engineers new to the embedded Linux methodology might make. Chapters 8-11 dive further into the operating system and explain device driver creation, the important file system and how Linux handles volatile and non-volatile memory systems using the MTD subsystem.

Engineers starting in the field of embedded systems will find information on what an embedded system is in Chapter 1, processor and board comparisons in Chapter 2 and setting up an embedded environment for development in Chapter 12.

It is quite obvious throughout the text the author has an extensive in depth understanding of embedded systems and the inner workings of the Linux operating system. With such a deep understanding of the material an author many times explains items in such detail it clouds the mind of the reader. The first line in Chapter 2 says (paraphrasing) that the best way understand something is to understand the 'big picture' . This is exactly the approach the author takes through out the text, first explaining the theory and high level aspect of the system, then diving into the detail of how it is done on the low level. Also, rather than get sidetracked in chapters by explaining every processor attribute or software package, the author suggests external sources mid-text and in the "Suggestions for Additional Reading" at the end of each chapter.

For the first edition of a book, Embedded Linux Primer is rather complete, with the only exception being chapter 8, Device Driver Basics, which is...well, rather basic. I started the chapter expecting to finish with a detailed understanding of how the Linux kernel processes driver requests and a look into some common drivers. This is not the case; for a second edition of this text I would suggest beefing up this chapter to provide more of an insight into kernel-driver interaction.

Overall Embedded Linux Primer is an excellent source of information for both the seasoned professional and aspiring embedded engineer. I know that when I dive fully into the world of embedded Linux this book will have a permanent place on the bench right next to the spec sheets.

s1axter is the main poster for Geeksinside.com, which is a hardware hacking, technology blog that showcases projects, reviews and technical links.

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This is a book

[stratjakt]

Consisting of lost of pages, many of them with interesting facts and diagrams.

I highly recommend this to both the hobbyist and the seasoned professional!

I dont know how to do referral links so just give me money directly thanks k bye

primer

[Anonymous Coward]

Sweet. I'll head down to Home Depot after work and see if they have any.

Re:Sounds promising.

[jimstapleton]

I ran NetBSD on my toaster! But the edges of the windows started getting black and crispy, so I went back to just using it for toast...

And NetBSD isn't Linux, but you did mention running things on toasters.

I bet!

[iknownuttin]

It's voodoo and the results are often spooky.

I bet! Do you get a lot of zombie processes?

And how many chickens do you guys kill per port?