Question

Does anyone know where I might find sample solutions written in C for low level / systems level applications? A really good website or book recommendation would be cool too.

I’ve learned some of the basics, but would like to see some code within the context of a real solution written in C, and specifically for a lower-level problem. Id’ be interested in how C is used within the context of OS programming, for example. What are some areas where C is used for lower-level programming?

Thanks.

Answer 1

I would suggest you to study MINIX3 from Tanenbaum: http://www.minix3.org/

Its a microkernel architecture, and with his book ( http://vig.prenhall.com/catalog/academic/product/0,1144,0131429388,00.html ) it is really enlightning.

As of my opinion, studying the linux kernel is a bit hardcore for a start ;), and out of a academical point of view the microkernel architecture is superior to the monolithic kernel.

Furthermore, with only a few thousands lines of code, unlike the Linux Kernel, its consumable in a realistic timetable.

And its a real serious project, the European Union sponsored some Millions towards it as far as i am aware of. I think i remind him saying that in one of his talks.

And you have a X-Server running there, a gcc-toolchain etcpp.

Have fun 🙂

EDIT: As i read the comments, someone mentions the Ruby interpreter. Its written in a mixture of C and Ruby, and as far as it was mentioned in one episode of se-radio.net, it is really nice sourcecode. Though i have to admit, i havent looked into it myself. Might be worth the dig into it if you have some interest in Ruby too.