Learn More About Operating Systems: Linux, Pearl & More

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The discussion centers on expanding knowledge of operating systems, particularly Linux, after a foundational course covering basic OS functionalities. The user expresses interest in understanding Linux's workings, including command prompt usage, and inquires about the relevance of Perl as a programming language in this context. It is clarified that Perl is not essential for using Linux, as the Linux kernel is primarily written in C. The conversation emphasizes starting with the basics of navigating the Linux shell, specifically Bash, and understanding the filesystem hierarchy and security. Resources such as "Understanding the Linux Kernel" and various O'Reilly books on Bash are recommended for deeper learning. The importance of using optimized programming languages like C/C++ for performance, alongside scripting languages like Perl, Python, and PHP for specific tasks, is also highlighted. Overall, the consensus is to begin with Bash to build a solid foundation in Linux.
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hey...
This semester we were taught basic operating system functionality...like paging,segmentation,virtual memory,demand paging,disk allocation,memory allocation,disk scheduling,cpu scheduling,etc...form Galvin operating systems book...now i want to learn more about operating systems...such as linux...how it works...command prompt,etc on the same lines as we were taught...somebody told me that pearl is the language of linux...should i learn pearl...??
 
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You don't need to learn perl to use linux.

The linux kernel is written primarily in C.
 
then where does pearl help me in...?
and btw pearl and java which one is more better and practical these days...
 
prashantgolu said:
then where does pearl help me in...?
and btw pearl and java which one is more better and practical these days...

When it comes to software development, you typically use a particular code-base (like C/C++) which may include custom platforms, or you just use a legacy system that was originally used for the particular development environment (think repositories like FORTRAN, SmallTalk, maybe even some Assembler/Machine Langauge for some specific hardware platform).

Typically for performance you use platforms that are optimized for speed (so something like C/C++ with a good optimizing compiler) and scripting or definition languages where you can get away with it (something like say Perl or any other scripting language).

In short, you use what you have got to get something done. Some environments are optimized for particular things, but doing other things can be a pain in the neck due to the structure of the system you are dealing with.
 
prashantgolu said:
hey...
This semester we were taught basic operating system functionality...like paging,segmentation,virtual memory,demand paging,disk allocation,memory allocation,disk scheduling,cpu scheduling,etc...form Galvin operating systems book...now i want to learn more about operating systems...such as linux...how it works...command prompt,etc on the same lines as we were taught...somebody told me that pearl is the language of linux...should i learn pearl...??

You start with navigating and using the shell.

That would be mostly bash

Then you learn about the filesystem hierarchy and the default systempaths , location of binaries , filesystem security

Diving deeper into the OS with ' Understanding the linux kernel ' from O' Reilly

On to learning to download , compile and install your sourcecode into binaries , and getting aquainted with one of the software repository management systems

Perl is one of many scripting languages launched from within a shell

It has many elements borrowed from C but builds on top of that.

Other scriptengines exist like python , php etc .

Lots of things to learn and places to start
 
so i'l start with learning bash first...i hope this is fine...can somebody suggest a very good book for it...
 
prashantgolu said:
so i'l start with learning bash first...i hope this is fine...can somebody suggest a very good book for it...

When I need a resource I often use amazon to browse the user reviews :

https://www.amazon.com/gp/search/re...n:283155,n:!1000,n:5,k:bash&tag=pfamazon01-20

That gives me often an indication of the book I want.

I haven't read any book on just bash myself , I learned it myself online or got it as an aside through other subjects

I'm planning on buying the bash cookbook and bash pcket reference from O'Reilly

Learning the bash shell , also O'Reilly would be a good first starter
 
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