The Linux Device Driver Development Training is a specialized program designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of Linux kernel programming and the skills required to develop device drivers for various hardware peripherals. Device drivers are essential software components that facilitate communication between the operating system and hardware devices. This course aims to equip students with the expertise to design, develop, and integrate device drivers into the Linux kernel. Through theoretical lectures, hands-on lab sessions, and real-world projects, students will become proficient Linux device driver developers capable of creating efficient and reliable drivers for a wide range of hardware.
Course Objectives
Understand Linux Kernel Architecture: Introduce students to the fundamentals of the Linux kernel, its modules, and the role of device drivers in the kernel.
Master Linux Device Driver Development: Learn essential concepts and techniques for developing character and block device drivers.
Explore Kernel Data Structures and Synchronization: Study kernel data structures, memory management, and synchronization mechanisms for robust driver development.
Work with Interrupt Handling and Kernel Timers: Understand hardware interrupt handling and utilize kernel timers for efficient driver operations.
Implement File Operations and IOCTLs: Gain practical experience in implementing file operations and IOCTLs for driver-user space communication.
Develop Kernel Modules and Loadable Drivers: Learn how to create kernel modules and load and unload them dynamically.
Engage in Real-World Device Driver Projects: Work on practical projects that involve developing and integrating device drivers in the Linux kernel.
Course Modules
Module-1:Introduction to Linux Kernel
Overview of the Linux kernel and its architecture
Role and significance of device drivers in the kernel
Kernel compilation and configuration
Module-2: Linux Device Driver Development Basics
Device driver model in Linux
Character and block device driver development
Driver registration and initialization
Module-3:Linux Kernel Programming
Kernel data structures and linked lists
Memory management and dynamic memory allocation
Synchronization and locking mechanisms
Module-4:Interrupt Handling and Kernel Timers
Handling hardware interrupts in device drivers
Using kernel timers for delayed and periodic actions
Synchronization and race condition prevention
Module-5:File Operations and IOCTLs
Implementing file operations for device drivers (open, read, write, release)
Understanding IOCTLs and user-space communication
Handling I/O and error conditions
Module-6:Kernel Modules and Loadable Drivers
Creating kernel modules and module parameters
Loading and unloading kernel modules dynamically
Interacting with modules and dependency management
Module-7: Device Driver Debugging and Testing
Debugging techniques and tools for device drivers
Kernel and user-space debugging methods
Writing unit tests for device drivers
Module-8:Real-World Device Driver Projects and Case Studies
Engaging in practical projects to develop and integrate device drivers in the Linux kernel
Analyzing case studies of device driver development challenges and solutions