Device drivers literally drive everything you're interested in--disks, monitors, keyboards, modems--everything outside the computer chip and memory. And writing device drivers is one of the few areas of programming for the Linux operating system that calls for unique, Linux-specific knowledge. For years now, programmers have relied on the classic Linux Device Drivers from O'Reilly to master this critical subject. Now in its third edition, this bestselling guide provides all the information you'll need to write drivers for a wide range of devices. Over the years the book has helped countless programmers learn:

• how to support computer peripherals under the Linux operating system

• how to develop and write software for new hardware under Linux

• the basics of Linux operation even if they are not expecting to write a driver

The new edition of Linux Device Drivers is better than ever. The book covers all the significant changes to Version 2.6 of the Linux kernel, which simplifies many activities, and contains subtle new features that can make a driver both more efficient and more flexible. Readers will find new chapters on important types of drivers not covered previously, such as consoles, USB drivers, and more. Best of all, you don't have to be a kernel hacker to understand and enjoy this book. All you need is an understanding of the C programming language and some background in Unix system calls. And for maximum ease-of-use, the book uses full-featured examples that you can compile and run without special hardware. Today Linux holds fast as the most rapidly growing segment of the computer market and continues to win over enthusiastic adherents in many application areas. With this increasing support, Linux is now absolutely mainstream, and viewed as a solid platform for embedded systems. If you're writing device drivers, you'll want this book. In fact, you'll wonder how drivers are ever written without it.

Amazon.com® Reader Reviews (Ranked by Helpfulness)

Average Amazon.com® Rating:  Based on 48 Ratings

Possibly still the best book on the subject - 2008-12-13
Reviewer Rating:
Even though the third edition is showing its age - it covers kernel version 2.6.10, which is terribly old - in my opinion this is still the best book on the subject.

Generally, it is not possible to create an up to date tutorial for programming the Linux kernel, since it changes constantly. SO, the key is to introduce the reader to the way of thinking necessary in order to understand and develop for the kernel. I think this book succeeds marvelously.

A good balance of "How" and "Why" - 2009-05-09
Reviewer Rating:
I have read both this book and Sreekrishnan Venkateswaran's Essential Linux Device Drivers, both are excellent, I prefer this one on generic topics such as:

Chapter 5. Concurrency and race conditions
Chapter 8. Allocating memory
Chapter 10. Interrupt Handling
Chapter 14. The Linux Device Model

How ever Sreekrishnan's book covers video and audio driver which are useful for my work.

As for styles, both keep a good balance of "how" and "why", I think the "why" parts are more important, the whole s/w is all about concepts.

hands on way to learn LDD - 2009-12-23
Reviewer Rating:
This books gives you hands on experience with LDD. All that you need is a linux box and latest 2.6 linux kernel with little or no real experience with kernel development. Also I like pointers to linux source code, which gives you chance to browse linux source code without feeling overwhelmed.

Invaluable - 2009-06-30
Reviewer Rating:
If you have to write a linux kernel module, this book is a lifesaver. The source-code for the samples is available online and saved me a ton of time getting the basics of a device file / ioctls / etc going so I could communicate with my module and focus on value add instead of boilerplate.

Best book for device drivers programming - 2008-09-18
Reviewer Rating:
This book covers in a excelent way all the process for creating device drivers. Its very good for who wants to start to programming and for who already knows how to programming.

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