General info on functions and macros used in drivers needed

Sergei Steshenko · 07-13-2008, 10:21 AM

Hello All,

I am new to Linux drivers, though not at all new to Linux, and even more not new to SW, HW, drivers in general.

I've already read a number of articles on Linux drivers and at the moment I feel I see too many little details not being able to grasp the bigger picture.

My current understanding/perception of Linux drivers related stuff can be summarized like this:

1) there is a number of existing kernel functions used by driver developers;
2) there is a number of existing kernel macros used by driver developers;
3) there is a set of DOs and DONTs, as well a number of examples.

My questions are:

1) are all kernel functions meant to be used while developing drivers ?
2) are all kernel macros meant to be used while developing drivers ?
3) if at least one of the above questions is answered NO, then where can I find the exact list of functions and macros to be used in drivers ?
4) is there a well defined driver API and ABI and if yes, where can I find documentation on the API and ABI ?

Thanks,
Sergei.

jailbait · 07-14-2008, 07:49 PM

Here is a good book on developing Linux drivers:

http://oreilly.com/catalog/linuxdrive3/book/index.csp

----------------------
Steve Stites

Sergei Steshenko · 07-15-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jailbait

Here is a good book on developing Linux drivers:

http://oreilly.com/catalog/linuxdrive3/book/index.csp

----------------------
Steve Stites

Thanks.

I did quickly read some books, maybe this one
specifically.

My question still remains - I need full list of
functions and macros intended for use in drivers.

Did Linux kernel developers write documentation which
has answers to he above question ?

My point is that Linux kernel and its documentation
is the primary source of info, any book is secondary.

I need pointers to the primary source.

Thanks again,
Sergei.

delite · 04-30-2009, 06:08 AM

I'm sure if you'd actually read the referenced book, you'd have a good idea on how to start and where to find the appropriate functions, it does tell you.

I personally found this book interesting (but I did read it before the other one). But it shows you how to write a module and iterate through the list of all the system hooks. Actually i'm not at home, but that example could have been in this.