The third chapter of Embedded Software Development Technology covers Embedded Linux Multitasking Programming. The chapter starts with an introduction to the multitasking mechanism in Linux, discussing the concepts of tasks, processes, and threads in a multitasking system. Tasks, processes, and threads are essential units in a multitasking system, with each serving a specific function and having distinct relationships with each other.
The chapter delves into the characteristics of processes, emphasizing their concurrency, dynamism, interactivity, independence, and asynchronicity. Processes in Linux have the ability to run concurrently without interference, undergo dynamic lifecycle changes, interact with other processes, operate within separate address spaces, and progress independently at unpredictable speeds.
Furthermore, the chapter provides insights into the structure of processes in Linux. The Linux kernel organizes all processes in a doubly linked list, with the init_task descriptor serving as the head of the list. Each item in the list is a task_struct type that contains detailed process information such as process descriptors.
Overall, the chapter on Embedded Linux Multitasking Programming provides a comprehensive overview of the multitasking mechanism in Linux, highlighting the importance of understanding tasks, processes, and threads in embedded software development. This knowledge is crucial for developing efficient and reliable embedded systems that can perform multiple tasks simultaneously.