I was learning PHP for awhile from a book and I got to understand most of the syntax and the structure of Programming if's and loops and all that stuff...

How similar is Linux shell scripting compared to PHP and basic programming syntax? What is a good book to get me writing my own scripts and customizing Linux alot?

Thanks for your help.

is Linux programming unleashed http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/067...lance&n=283155 any good?

Whats is the pros of learning Linux Kernel Development rather then Linux application developmenmt?

Are you planning on becoming part of the Linux kernel development team? Or maybe write your own OS kernel in the future? If so, learning the Linux kernel development would be very helpful (or I'd say even necessary). If you simply plan on writing applications that run on GNU/Linux, then knowing all the internals of the Linux kernel is probably not necessary.

Kernel development and application development differ greatly, IMO. The programming basics are always the same, but different tasks usually require different programming languages, different design/implementation approaches, and different levels of knowledge on different aspects of programming (i.e. UI design, system calls, etc).

My own suggestion would be for you to determine what you really want to do first. It's very hard to set your course of action without defining a clear goal.

I would like to learn how to create my own programs and scripts that performe important and time saving tasks.

Two good references:
Bash guide for beginners--Machtelt Garrels ---avail at tldp.org
Classic shell scripting--O'Reilly ---at their site, Amazon, or most large bookstores

By the way--It is better to post one question and wait for answers.

What are those important and time-saving tasks? Depending upon what they are and what they're supposed to do, people may have different recommendations.

For instance, if you'd like to do a batch file renaming, shell scripting would probably be the best. OTOH, if you want to create a database application that manages your CD collection, Qt + Python may better suit you.

Qt + Python it is, I want a programming language thats very flexiable.

If you want flexible then look at Python or Ruby. Both those have binding for every library under the sun and are syntatically pretty basic. Shell scripting is a must just for general use if you want to make your life easier.

Alternatively, learing C or C++ will stand you in very good stead. Most Linux applications (infact most applications on Windows and Mac as well) are written in C or C++ or some derivative.

--Ian