Coursebook: An Open-Source Textbook for Systems Programming

Welcome to the systems programming coursebook! This repository houses a high-quality, open-source introductory systems programming textbook used by the CS 241: System Programming course at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The book assumes that you have taken a programming language course and are familiar with assembly instructions. All of the code and instruction will be in C, as it is the de-facto language of the Linux Kernel.

The Coursebook is an aim to standardize and build upon Angrave’s original wikibook experiment. Angrave’s wikibook was a pioneering effort to provide a freely available resource for learning systems programming. The Coursebook builds on this initiative, offering a comprehensive resource that covers the fundamentals of systems programming in a structured and accessible way.

The book is divided into several sections, each of which covers a different aspect of systems programming. The first section introduces the basics of C programming, including variables, functions, and control structures. From there, the book moves on to cover topics such as memory management, file I/O, and system calls.

One of the strengths of the Coursebook is its emphasis on practical, hands-on exercises. Throughout the book, you’ll find a series of exercises that challenge you to apply what you’ve learned to real-world problems. These exercises are designed to help you build your skills and develop your understanding of systems programming.

In addition to the main text, the Coursebook includes a number of supplementary materials. These materials include code examples, programming assignments, and links to additional resources. The book is designed to be used in conjunction with a classroom or online course, but it can also be used as a self-study resource.

Overall, the Coursebook is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn systems programming. Whether you’re a student looking to prepare for a career in software development, or a professional looking to expand your skillset, this book has something to offer. With its clear explanations, practical exercises, and comprehensive coverage, the Coursebook is an invaluable tool for mastering the fundamentals of systems programming.