Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/linux-kernel-programming-yocto-project
For anyone looking to delve into the intricate world of embedded systems, the “Linux Kernel Programming and Introduction to Yocto Project” course on Coursera is an absolute must. This comprehensive program offers a robust introduction to Kernel Driver development for the Linux operating system, equipping you with the practical skills needed to build custom embedded Linux systems.
The course is expertly structured, guiding you through essential concepts with hands-on assignments. The initial module, “Introduction to Device Drivers and Yocto,” lays a solid foundation. You’ll learn the fundamentals of Linux Device Drivers, including how to build and run them. A particularly engaging aspect is modifying a socket application from a previous course and integrating threading – a practical application of learned concepts. This module also introduces the Yocto Project, a powerful build system, and culminates in building a custom Yocto image that incorporates your enhanced socket application.
Moving on, the “Linux Character Drivers and Debugging” module dives deeper into driver types, kernel support for character device drivers, and crucial data structures for user-space interaction. The distinction between kernel and application debugging is clearly explained, a vital skill for any embedded developer. The implementation of a unit-tested circular buffer is a highlight, serving as a building block for future assignments. The module concludes with the practical experience of building a Yocto embedded device image that supports an out-of-tree kernel module – a significant achievement in itself.
Concurrency is a critical aspect of modern operating systems, and the “Concurrency in the Linux Kernel” module tackles this head-on. You’ll master the use of semaphores and mutexes for managing concurrent access in device drivers, understanding the difference between atomic and non-atomic contexts and effective locking strategies. The course reinforces these concepts by having you modify your socket application to interact with a custom character device, utilizing the circular buffer and concurrency principles learned.
Finally, the “Kernel sleeping and ioctl” module demystifies the `ioctl` command, a fundamental interface for Linux drivers, and its implementation. You’ll gain a solid understanding of kernel sleeping and waking mechanisms, essential for handling blocking and non-blocking I/O. The course wraps up by guiding you through adding `ioctl` support to your custom Linux kernel driver and application.
What makes this course particularly recommendable is its direct link to academic credit as ECEA 5306, part of CU Boulder’s Master of Science in Electrical Engineering. This speaks volumes about the rigor and quality of the content. Whether you’re a student pursuing a formal degree or a professional developer aiming to enhance your embedded systems expertise, this course delivers exceptional value. It’s challenging yet rewarding, providing the knowledge and practical experience to confidently navigate Linux kernel programming and the Yocto Project.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/linux-kernel-programming-yocto-project