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Understanding the Linux Kernel, Third Edition Review by Saurav Bhasin
Not for Beginners trying to understand about the Linux Kernel
If you are looking to start understanding as a beginner as to how the Linux Kernel works then this book will not do that for you simply because it throws too much of information at you all at once, some of it are actually "non-relevant" to Linux OS.
Yes understanding ANY Kernel not only Linux is not an easy job but the authors make us realize this in every page. I mean intelligence is basically converting a complex task or complex material into simple single line sentences which a Human mind can comprehend so that he/she can keep that material in his RAM. But Mr. Bovet does not do that, to an already difficult subject(the Kernel) , they try to dvelve deep into the different CPU registers at every single page. Yes we do know that whatever we do in the Kernel eventually boils down to the CPU registers but the very purpose of having the C program was to move away from the Assembly language and make things easier.
Take for example in Chapter 4: Interrupts and Exceptions. The Authors mention: An interrupt is usually defined as an event that alters the sequence of instructions of the processors. Such events correspond to electrical signals generated by hardware circuits both inside and outside the CPU Chip".
I think that it would have been better if the Authors simply said "An Interupt is what happens when the Hardware wants to communicate with the Kernel asynchronously"....Now would not that have sounded easier to understand??.
2nd drawback of this book is that while it mentions that it is good to have a reference of the source in front of you (which I did) but it does not tell you the exact C file from where the functions are being talked about. At the back of the book there is an Appendix where you can search through index and then find out the exact C file function the author is talking about.
If you want to do some Kernel hacking then browsing through the front and back of the book gets a bit frustrating.
I will give this book 3 stars simply and simply because it has TREMENDOUS INFORMATION. But will it help you?. I would say that if you want to do a PHD on the Linux Kernel to write a doctoral dissertation then read this book since while doing PHD you will have plenty of time(and money since the University is paying you) ....But if you want to be a KERNEL HACKER like me and want to be PRACTICAL in life and getting the job done quickly and efficiently then please ignore this book and read the one by Robert Love.
Linux is all about pragmatism and this book is quite the antithesis of that.