I bought this book as a quick introduction to the world of UNIX/Linux systems programming. Having had extensive prior experience with the C programming language and application development on other platforms (DOS, OS/2, AS/400), I read the book without actually trying out the sample code or programming exercises. My goal was to get a solid feel for the basic concepts of Unix systems programming as quickly as possible, in order to move on to more advanced Linux topics (assembly programming, kernel and device driver development, implementation of the Linux TCP/IP stack) covered in other books. I found this book to be exceptionally clear and well written and ideally suited for the purpose.

The book requires intermediate knowledge of C and some basic computing skills, but otherwise makes very few assumptions about the reader. Concepts are introduced gradually, and the exceptionally clear diagrams, analogies, case studies and sample programs make each chapter a pleasure to digest and learn from. In order to avoid overwhelming the reader, advanced details are moved out of the main flow of the text, and into the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Each chapter is structured in a similar manner. A small programming project is introduced as the goal of each chapter. Each is appropriately chosen so that the systems programming concepts that are to be the subject of the chapter are key to the solution. The author then guides the reader along the path by asking and answering the questions "What does it do?", "How does it work?", and "How can I write my own version?". The author has a knack for anticipating the types of questions that are likely to be in the reader's mind at the appropriate moments, and helps the reader along with helpful pointers and analogies. This approach is very effective, and while not as detailed and complete as that of W. Richard Stevens (Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment), it is certainly more readable and easier to digest.

Overall, an exceptional introduction to Unix/Linux systems programming and highly recommended.

I have read more than half of the book. I like the material the book covers and the way of teaching by exemples.
Most other books focus on the features of the Unix system.

However I have minor questions:
1. There are typographical errors in exemple code.
2. I do not like function tty_mode(int how) in chapter 6.
it seems trivial and unnecessry and the static variable inside
the function seems questionable style.
I wonder why these obvious things happened in such a good book.

Unix has had the luxury of being one of the most documented operating systems in history. Many books have been dedicated to documenting the internals of Unix and Unix-like systems and some have risen to the ranks of classic texts regarded by all as necessary to understanding the inner workings of Unix. Understanding Unix®/Linux Programming would be in excellent company with these books. The book contains a copious amount of code and clear, diagramed explanations describing the processes transpiring in the machine.

Understanding Unix®/Linux Programming is designed to be used in an operating systems course with programmers fluent in C. Fortunately, though, the book can be used outside of the classroom if the reader does not mind an occasional open-ended questions with no included answers. The book may seem light on pages (530 including index), but the author should get an award for jamming so much useful explanation and helpful (and complete) code. The format of each chapter is familiar to most textbooks, with an introduction to the task at hand, explanations and examples, a summary, a list of explorations to further understand the topics presented, and a set of programming exercises. The exercises are creative and directly relate to the presented code. They're also (dare I say it?) fun. I'm not saying they'll replace crossword puzzles, but they do present creative or obvious challenges to the reader. (Like handling when a user types 'exit' from a shell, or blinking the text in an ncurses application).

The book includes topics on file I/O, device I/O, timers, process management, stream and datagram sockets, POSIX threads, file systems, the terminal driver, signals pipes, network programming and semaphores. A typical chapter will introduce an operating system concept (file systems and directories, for instance) and will briefly describe the current Unix command for working with that concept (pwd for determining the present working directory, or ls for listing the contents of a directory, and so forth). The author then proceeds to give a detailed description of what the operating system does to run the command. In the chapter on processes and programs, the author describes what processes are and how to use the ps command. Next the author describes how to fork child processes, and wait for them. This leads to the 'prompting shell', which is a simple, yet functional shell environment. Now some books would leave this exercise after creating a semi-functional shell, but the author presses on and in the next chapter creates 'small-shell' which is an interactive shell with a minimal scripting langauge and variable support. All of this in the span of 71 pages, with plenty of examples, full code listings, diagrams, and problem sets.

Understanding Unix®/Linux Programming takes advantage of the inquisitive nature of coders by presenting commands and command squences we all take for granted, and turning them into "how do they work" learning experiences. Anyone who has ever stopped to think why certain things work the way they do in Unix (or work at all) will find this book immensely helpful in sating that curiousity. Students who are assigned this textbook for a class should thank their teacher for choosing a genuinely useful text from which to read. I can't help but be jealous of students who will use this book for their classes. That jealousy is short-lived though, as anyone who wants an excellent resource for learning Unix programming will benefit from picking up this book. Kudos to the author for crafting not only an exceptionally easy to read and thourough book, but for taking the complex machinations of Unix and making them simple and accessible for all coders.

It goes right to the point and it's easy too understand. One of the very few books out there that really shows what system programming is all about. Great samples too.

This book is beautifully written. I just got it today and read the first chapter. I bought it for a class I am taking in Unix Systems Programming. I was relieved when Molay's book arrived in the mail today. I was relieved that the book exceeded my expectations. If you can't afford Harvard, don't worry--the course is all here.

I bought this book for a college course on Linux -- and I can tell you this... unlike other books on Linux, this one is a great read and very informative. I bought mine using a coupon from UnderTag.com, so it was almost free for me.

Excellent book to understand the basics of UNIX/Linux system programming. The author makes no assumptions about your knowledge level and walks you through the topics slowly. The book doesnt' go too deep into threads, but that's a deep topic which deserves a book on its own. The code samples work, too. Bruce Molay wrote an excellent book!!!!

Excellent!

It has illustrative guides, diagrams, code examples, etc !

Everything an beginner of UNIX systems programming
could know is here!

The author has done a good job!

I have been looking for a book that went into details with signals and sockets. This has me a lot in my job and the book
has solved my programming problems in many ways. I hope many can make use of this book because I have. I definitely recommend this book for beginner on Unix programming. It has many good examples to follow.

Take the time to read this book. It is very resourceful and will give you a very good understanding of the Unix Kernel and Commands.

I think this book is very good for the people who start learning Unix/Linux programming. It explains things clearly. It is useful for people use it as reference, too.

There are lots of Unix books, but this is the first one combining practical training with foundational Unix programming theory consistently.

I happen to be enrolled in Prof. Molay 's Unix Programming class when this wonderful book was published in Jannary. The book covers all of class's material plus couple of chapters for the reading. Prof Molay brings the fundamentals of Unix Programming to a new light. His clear presentation helps us to master the material in an efficient way.

The book is suitable for students both at beginning and professional levels. Besides, the CSCIE 215 (Unix Programming) class offered by Harvard Extension School has online option for people working full time. Online registration is as easy as 1-2-3.

There are many Unix books, but this is the first one combining the practical training with fundamental theory in a consistent way.

I happened to be enrolled in his class when this wonderful book was published in Jan 2003. Prof Molay brings the fundamentals of Unix Programming to a new light. His clear presentation helps us understand the theory of Unix programming in an efficient way.

The book is suitable for students both at beginning and professional levels. Good C experiences preferred. Also the class offered each spring term has distance study option for those who have full time job.