Skip to content
Home » Developing Linux Device Drivers (LFD430) Review

Developing Linux Device Drivers (LFD430) Review

  • by

If you’ve ever been intrigued by the inner workings of Linux and have a knack for diving deep into code, then you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re going to explore the “Developing Linux Device Drivers” course offered by the Linux Foundation. This course promises to turn you into a pro at developing Linux device drivers, and we’re here to dissect whether it lives up to the hype.

Course Provider: Linux Foundation

First things first, let’s talk about the Linux Foundation. These are the folks who are the stewards of Linux, the operating system that powers much of the internet, your Android phone, and even your smart fridge. They offer a plethora of courses, ranging from beginner to expert levels, making them a go-to resource for all things Linux.

Who Should Take This Course?

So, who is this course really for? According to the Linux Foundation, it’s designed for experienced developers looking to expand their skill set into the realm of Linux device drivers.

Prerequisites:

  • Solid background in Linux
  • Proficiency in programming
  • Familiarity with terms like “kernel,” “APIs,” and “modules”

If these terms get you excited, this course is right up your alley. Just make sure you meet the prerequisites, as this is not a course for beginners.

Course Structure and Content

Alright, let’s dig deeper into what this course offers in terms of content. This is an instructor-led training, and it’s chock-full of valuable insights and hands-on exercises. The course is divided into 26 comprehensive sections, each focusing on a unique aspect of Linux device driver development.

Detailed Course Outline:

  • Introduction: Goals of the course, an overview of the Linux Foundation, and system setup guidelines.
  • Preliminaries: Procedures to follow, understanding different Kernel versions, and hardware essentials.
  • Working in OSS Projects: A primer on contributing to open-source projects and how to identify project maintainers.
  • Device Drivers Basics: Different types of devices, power management essentials, and understanding error codes.
  • Modules and Device Drivers: Exploring the module_driver() macros and understanding module hot-plugging.
  • Memory Management: A look at both virtual and physical memory, memory zones, and the kmalloc() function.
  • Character Devices: Understanding device nodes, major and minor numbers, and the file_operations struct.
  • Kernel Features: Components that make up the Linux Kernel, the difference between user-space and kernel-space, and system calls.
  • User-Kernel Space Transfers: Methods like copy_to(from)_user(), direct transfers, and kernel I/O.
  • Interrupts and Exceptions: Understanding what they are, and how to enable or disable them.
  • Timing Measurements: Types of timing measurements, jiffies, and real-time clocks.
  • Kernel Timers: How to insert delays and low-resolution timer functions.
  • ioctls: An introduction to ioctls and how to define them.
  • Unified Device Model and sysfs: Understanding basic structures, real devices, and the sysfs filesystem.
  • Firmware: What firmware is and how to load it.
  • Sleeping and Wait Queues: Understanding wait queues and the process of sleeping and waking up.
  • Interrupt Handling: Learning about deferrable functions and user drivers.
  • Hardware I/O: Understanding buses, ports, and memory barriers.
  • PCI: An overview of PCI, PCI device drivers, and accessing configuration space.
  • Platform Drivers: What they are, main data structures, and registering platform devices.
  • Direct Memory Access (DMA): Understanding DMA, DMA to user-space, and DMA with interrupts.
  • Network Drivers: Basics, data structures, and transmission/reception.
  • USB Drivers: An introduction to USB, its topology, terminology, and endpoints.
  • Power Management: Learning about ACPI, APM, and system power states.
  • Block Drivers: Understanding what block drivers are, buffering, and registration.
  • Closing and Evaluation Survey: Final thoughts and an opportunity to provide feedback.

The course is meticulously structured, ensuring that you get a well-rounded understanding of Linux device driver development.

Learning Path

If you’re wondering where this course fits in the grand scheme of your Linux learning journey, don’t fret—the Linux Foundation has laid out a clear roadmap for you. This course is part of a comprehensive learning path designed to take you from a Linux novice to a seasoned developer.

Recommended Courses:

  • Before This Course:
    • Introduction to Linux (LFS101x)
    • A Beginner’s Guide to Open Source Software Development (LFD102)
    • Open Source Software Development: Linux for Developers (LFD107x)
  • After This Course:
    • Developing Applications For Linux (LFD401)
    • Linux Kernel Internals and Development (LFD420)

By following this learning path, you’ll not only master the art of developing Linux device drivers but also gain a holistic understanding of Linux development.

Course Material and Resources

When it comes to learning, the quality of the material can make or break your experience. Good news—this course comes with a rich set of resources to ensure you get the most out of it.

What’s Included:

  • Lectures: Detailed presentations covering each topic.
  • Hands-On Labs: Practical exercises to apply what you’ve learned.
  • Assignments: Tasks designed to challenge your understanding.
  • Additional Reading: Supplementary materials for deeper insights.
  • Q&A Sessions: Opportunities to clarify doubts with the instructor.

The course aims to be interactive and engaging, allowing you to not just absorb information but also apply it in real-world scenarios. The hands-on labs and assignments are particularly useful for cementing your understanding of complex topics.

Instructors and Teaching Methodology

While I haven’t had the chance to take this course myself, the reviews speak volumes about the quality of instruction. The instructors are described as knowledgeable and engaging, with a knack for breaking down complex topics into digestible chunks.

Teaching Methods:

  • Lectures: In-depth explanations of each topic.
  • Hands-On Labs: Practical sessions to apply theoretical knowledge.
  • Q&A Sessions: Interactive segments to address any questions or doubts.
  • Assignments: Tasks to reinforce learning and challenge your understanding.

The teaching approach is multifaceted, combining lectures with hands-on exercises and interactive Q&A sessions. This ensures a dynamic learning environment where you’re not just a passive listener but an active participant.

User Reviews and Ratings

When it comes to choosing a course, hearing from those who’ve already taken it can be invaluable. The “Developing Linux Device Drivers” course has received an impressive 4.2 out of 5 stars, based on user reviews.

What People Are Saying:

  • Positive Feedback:
    • “Comprehensive coverage of the subject.”
    • “Instructors are knowledgeable and engaging.”
    • “Real-world examples make the content relatable.”
  • Constructive Criticism:
    • “The course could be a bit pricey for some.”
    • “Not suitable for beginners.”

Overall, the course seems to be well-received, with particular praise for its comprehensive content and expert instructors. However, it’s worth noting that the course is not designed for beginners and comes with a higher price tag, which could be a consideration for some.

Pricing and Availability

Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—the cost. The course comes with a price tag of $3250, which might raise some eyebrows. However, it’s essential to weigh this against the depth of the content and the expertise of the instructors.

Availability:

  • Online: Available year-round
  • In-Person: Specific dates and locations

Considering the comprehensive nature of the course and the high-quality instruction, the price could be justified for those who are serious about diving deep into Linux device driver development.

Pros and Cons

Every course has its strengths and weaknesses, and this one is no exception. Here’s a quick rundown of what the course does well and where it could improve.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: The course leaves no stone unturned, covering everything from the basics to advanced topics.
  • Hands-On Labs and Assignments: Practical exercises help solidify your understanding and give you real-world experience.
  • Expert Instructors: The instructors are not only knowledgeable but also effective communicators.

Cons:

  • Pricey: The cost of the course may be prohibitive for some.
  • Not for Beginners: The course assumes a certain level of expertise, making it unsuitable for those new to Linux or programming.

Conclusion

To wrap it all up, the “Developing Linux Device Drivers” course by the Linux Foundation appears to be a solid investment for anyone serious about mastering this specialized field. The course is comprehensive, well-structured, and led by industry experts. While the price tag might be on the higher side, the skills and knowledge you stand to gain could make it worth every penny.

Whether you’re looking to advance your career, contribute to open-source projects, or simply satisfy your intellectual curiosity, this course seems to tick all the right boxes.

Additional Information

If you’re ready to take the plunge, enrolling is just a click away. You can sign up for the course through the Linux Foundation’s official website. If you have any questions or need further clarification, their customer support is readily available via email or phone.

FAQs

  • Is this course suitable for beginners?
    • No, this course is designed for experienced developers.
  • Is the course available online?
    • Yes, the course is offered both online and in-person, providing flexibility.
  • Are there prerequisites for this course?
    • Yes, a strong background in Linux and programming is highly recommended.
Was this article helpful?
YesNo