Writing network management software for Linux 2

[Parcival21]

Hi there,
my aim is to create a simple network management software for Linux. The Linux of my choice is Debian, the programming language will be c and maybe c++. I'm now looking for good books concerning network programming for Linux. I will have to connect directly to the network interface card to open sockets.
Do you have any good book proposals that could help me with my work?

Any help would be appreciated,

busche

 

[stefanwagner]

It's quite easy with java - why not using java?

 

[ericbrunson]

Because Java sucks?

I think you'd be better off writing that type of tool in a higher level language like Python, but the question was for C programming references.

First of all K&R is the obvious starting point to learn basic C, 'The C Programming Language,' by Kernighan and Ritchie. They invented the language, so they're probably the experts. The basics of the C and C++ language constructs are very simple, you can learn them in an evening.

For learning network programming, first you need to understand networking internals. The definitive reference for TCP/IP on Unix is the TCP Illustrated series by Richard Stevens. Start with volume 1.

Finally, bring them both together with "Unix Network Programming" also by Stevens and I'm quite fond of "Unix Systems Programming" by Dave Curry from O'Reilly.

Still, unless you have some reason for super-human performance, absolute controls over the packet structure (like Nmap) or are simply a masochist, I'd seriously recommend looking at python, which will to 98% of what's possible with 75% of the speed, 30% of the work and 10% of the headaches.

 

[sleipnir214]

Unless you are already familiar with c-language, I recommend you steer clear of K&R's The C Programming Language. It's not the most student-friendly text on the subject, but is rather designed to be a reference guide for more-experienced programmers.

A good entry-level primer on socket programming online is "Beej's Guide to Network Programming". It may not be able to get you up and running programming sockets in c, but it will at least teach you enough vocabulary that you can make better use of other texts.



Want the best answers? Ask the best questions!

TANSTAAFL!!

 

[Parcival21]

Hi there,
thank's for your help.
I already started learning the c basics and i think I got along with it. I already got the books from Stevens and I will also have a look at Beej's Guide to Network Programming.

busche