The book is framed as a case study for building a custom database program in Linux for a video-rental store. After a tour of the requirements and a brief look at project management for creating this software, the various Linux packages needed to implement this system are described, along with sample code, most of it written in C. Some packages (like the CVS version-control package) come with most distributions of Linux. Others will require downloading additional software over the Internet. In every case, you're provided with the actual command-line arguments needed to install, configure and run each package.

Besides a great exploration of CVS for version control, there's excellent coverage of the free PostgreSQL and MySQL databases, two very popular choices for Linux databases. The book also does a good job of explaining user-interface design under both the GTK+/GNOME and KDE (two popular Linux desktops) and how to extend the reach of the sample database application using Remote Procedure Calls (RPCs) and CORBA. Of course, the finished application doesn't use every Linux API covered here, but the book casts a wide net and introduces features and tools that are available.

Two standout chapters tour you through the essentials of other programming languages. There's PHP for Web development and an appealing, enthusiastic introduction to Python (which will probably turn you into a Python convert). Later chapters provide practical tips for testing and debugging applications, including how to profile your code. The book closes with a useful guide to creating Redhat Package Manager (RPM) packages for deploying applications, as well as a quick overview of your documentation options. By covering so many APIs, languages, and tools effectively, Professional L Linux Programming gives experienced C/C++ programmers all that they need to get started with Linux development. With its remarkably clear presentation style and abundance of practical tips, it's an admirably useful blueprint for building custom software. --Richard Dragan

This seems to be one of those fat books with no examples CD that takes a lot of your time with little payoff. Its as if it is felt that fatness is a guaranteed substitute for value. I simply dont have the time to read it all (It's not the only book). It must be possible to be more succinct!


Very usefull   January 10, 2001
 3 out of 5 found this review helpful

Its very difficult to find one book with so many useful information, also the sample are usually short and to the point. good interaction with the reader!


Good reference for a wide range of Open Source technologies   December 28, 2000
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This book is a follow-up to Beginning Linux Programming, but with a wider range of authors. The book is a series of chapters on various tools and applications, all of them Open Source, based mainly round things that application developers might us, though there is a single chapter on device drivers.

Most topics only get a single chapter, so there isn't as much depth as you would find in a dedicated book on each topic, but there is a very wide range of material all covered in enough depth to get the more experienced programmer started with a new topic. There are one or two weaker areas, but overall a good choice of material succinctly presented for the more experienced application developer. I've given it 5 stars as it was exactly what I was looking for - a single reference to help me create a Linux-based web database application, your mileage may vary. I recommend you at least consider it.


Excellent for those wishing to develop Linux solutions   December 23, 2000
 4 out of 4 found this review helpful

This book is the sequel to the excellent' Beginning Linux Programming'. It isn't a book for kernel hackers, and it doesn't pretend to be. (There is a book being written by kernel developers called' Professional Linux Kernel Programming' - make sure that you order the correct one!). Instead, this heavyweight book is a very useful guide for those wishing to develop real world applications. It covers the tools used for developing serious web applications, such as the databases MySQL and PostgreSQL, and the excellent PHP language. When it comes to desktop and client server you are spoilt for choice - just about everything is covered. It is especially nice to see Python content - one of the areas missing from their first book as Python is very easy to learn and both powerful and flexible. If anything else was covered I'm not sure how the publishers would bind it! The level of detail is such that the reader will be able to achieve useful results based on the book alone, and any further detail is usually available as part of the documentation supplied when installing the software tools. Single subject books often just duplicate this, and quickly become dated. Where there are references to other books, it is nice to see that it is not just Wrox books which are recommended. The book is written in a style which is both readable and serves as a useful reference work, spending more time next to my computer than it does collecting dust on a shelf. I'd have no hesitation recommending this book to anyone wishing to develop Linux solutions for today and for the future - throw away those VB books now!


Not for the Kernel Hacker   December 18, 2000
 1 out of 2 found this review helpful

If you want information on Linux internals then this book not for you. This book is totally biased towards GTK/GNOME and PostreSQL. It contain inaccurate and misleading information concerning the capabilities of MySQL. There is no information on the use of automake, autoconfig, etc. Why on earth it covers PHP, Python, and lots of totally unrelated topics is anybodies guess. It is a totally disorganized collections material which is covered in greater depth in other books. Consequently, I could not recommend this book to anybody. It promises a lot but delivers nothing