programming drivers for hardware in linux

dr_zayus69 · 09-20-2004, 09:52 AM

i was curious how hard it is to make drivers for hardware for linux. Like for instance what programming languages would you need to use and how knowledigable do you need to know about hardware technologies to do so. I know it is probably a silly question but i am curious. thanks.

rshaw · 09-20-2004, 10:10 AM

c and probably some assembly. if the hardware manufacturer supplies a good api you'll need to know less about the hardware internals, if you're reverse engineering with no api to work with, then you'll need to know the internal chipsets and protocols in excruciating detail.

saajii · 09-20-2004, 07:41 PM

Linux device drivers are written in C.usually most of the device manufacture supply a programmers manual for you to write drivers for their device.

if you are interested in learning more about how to program a driver,i would encourage you to read Linux Device Driver.the electronic version is available at http://www.xml.com/ldd/chapter/book/

good luck mate.

dr_zayus69 · 09-21-2004, 01:42 PM

thanks