Develop Linux tools and daemons with system calls, signals, and POSIX-compliant code.
In this course, you will explore the vital role of system calls in Linux and other systems, enabling user-space applications to connect with the kernel and perform privileged functions. System calls contribute to application and operating system compatibility and interoperability by offering a defined interface for accessing the kernel that is used for functionality.
You will explore system call APIs to learn how to build interactive and service (daemon) applications that control the system and perform operations. We categorize based on the type of operation they perform: process management and file management. Practical projects include building standard Linux applications, such as ls, cat, etc. as well as some service processes, such as ftp.
Key topics covered include I/O control, file systems, access, and locking; signal handling; process and threads management; IPC using pipes and TCP/UDP sockets. Additionally, the course will address makefiles, man pages and packaging utilities.
By the end of the course, you'll have developed a complete ftp package and mastered the implementation of client-server programs using TCP, UDP, and RPC. This course adheres to the POSIX standard, ensuring a solid foundation, while also incorporating discussions on portability considerations for BSD extensions and SVR4 differences.
Note
To practice, students are expected to install or have access to Linux Operating System version 7, or higher (version 9 is preferred) on their home computers. Options include VMWare, VirtualBox, LiveCD, disk partition or separate drive or an embedded Linux system such as a Raspberry Pi.
Additional Information
AI* - This course requires AI to be used as a tool in order to mirror modern engineering practice: higher throughput, broader scope, and faster iteration cycles. Students will use AI to accelerate implementation, explore unfamiliar technical areas efficiently (e.g., grammar-driven parsing and security concepts), and improve code quality via structured review and test-driven verification. AI is also part of the product. As the shell evolves into AiShell, students will implement structured command metadata and agent-facing interfaces (MCP-style patterns) that enable an AI assistant to discover capabilities, propose actions, and improve the user experience through natural-language interaction, while maintaining explicit safety controls.
Skills Needed:
