Best Unix Programming Books of 2025

The Linux Programming Interface by Michael Kerrisk is an authoritative guide to the Linux and UNIX programming interface. It provides a comprehensive description of over 500 system calls and library functions, accompanied by clear examples. The book covers various topics, including file handling, process management, multithreading, network programming, and interprocess communication. While it emphasizes UNIX standards, its Linux-specific features make it valuable for programmers working on other UNIX platforms. The author's extensive experience in the field and his involvement in the testing and design review of new Linux kernel-userspace interfaces make this book a must-read for any system programmer.

This comprehensive guide to Linux is perfect for beginners who want to learn how to use and manage Linux like a pro. The book covers everything from the basics of what Linux is, to how to choose the right Linux distribution for your needs, to how to use Linux text editors, and much more. The author has also included self-evaluation tests to help readers verify their learning level. This book is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to learn how to use Linux and master the Linux command line.

O'Reilly's Learning the bash Shell is an updated guide to mastering the complexities of the Linux bash shell. Whether new to shell programming or a seasoned veteran, this book provides an excellent introduction to the basics and advanced features. It covers everything from interactive shell use to process handling and debugging techniques. With practical examples and customization options, programmers will find it easier to use Linux. The author, Cameron Newham, provides valuable insights into the system's nuances, making this book a must-have for anyone looking to improve their Linux skills.

The Unix Network Programming: The Sockets Networking API (1) is a comprehensive guide to understanding networking APIs, particularly sockets, for building high-performance networked systems in any environment. The book offers extensive coverage of the X/Open Transport Interface (XTI) and the de facto standard for UNIX network programming with APIs. The authors have updated the book to address today's most crucial standards, implementations, and techniques. The book is an excellent resource for anyone who writes web servers, client/server applications, or any other network software. Overall, this book provides a great mix of practical experience, historical perspective, and a depth of understanding that only comes from being intimately involved in the field.

The third edition of "Advanced Programming in the UNIX Environment" by W. Richard Stevens and Steve Rago is a comprehensive guide to the system programming interfaces used in the UNIX and Linux kernels. With over 70 interfaces covered, including POSIX asynchronous I/O and multithreaded programming, this book provides practical and in-depth knowledge for programmers looking to write code with exceptional power, performance, and reliability. Filled with examples, case-studies, and access to thousands of lines of downloadable code, this book is a valuable resource for any programmer working in a UNIX environment.

The Password Book is a great solution for those who struggle to remember their numerous passwords, usernames, and log-in details for different websites. The book is designed to keep all this information in one secure location, with pages divided into alphabetical tabs for easy access. It's a perfect size at 6” x 9” and features a premium matte cover design, with high-quality print. With 105 pages, it can store hundreds of passwords and is a great gift idea for various occasions. Keep your passwords safe and never forget them again with this handy organizer!

The Unix Programming Environment is a comprehensive guidebook designed for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a detailed description of the UNIX programming environment and philosophy, including how to use the system, its components, and programs. The book also covers how these elements fit into the total environment. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the UNIX programming environment. It is an excellent reference guide for anyone seeking to learn about the system's components and programs.

The Art of UNIX Programming by Eric Raymond is a book that captures the design philosophy and engineering wisdom of the UNIX, Linux, and Open Source software development community. The author argues that understanding the unwritten UNIX engineering tradition and mastering its design patterns will help programmers of all stripes become better programmers. The book is not a "how-to" book but a "why-to" book that aims to show new Unix programmers why they should work under the old "hacker ethic". Overall, this book is a valuable resource for deep-thinking software developers who want to learn the connection between UNIX philosophy and practice.

The "UNIX Network Programming: Networking APIs: Sockets and XTI; Volume 1" is a comprehensive guide for programmers of all levels. The book covers everything from creating programs compatible with both IPv4 and IPv6 to raw sockets, routing sockets, UDP, broadcasting, multicasting, server internals, and more. The author, W. Richard Stevens, offers guidance on how to make code more portable and robust. The book also includes a section on Posix threads. Overall, the book is an excellent reference for anyone interested in network programming in UNIX.

UNIX Network Programming, Volume 2: Interprocess Communications, Second Edition is an essential guide for programmers looking to develop applications with IPC. The book covers every form of IPC, including message passing, synchronization, shared memory, and RPC. The author, W. Richard Stevens, provides detailed explanations of the internal structures of Posix IPC and System V IPC, along with plenty of examples to help readers understand the concepts. This book is a must-read for any programmer who wants to learn about IPC and how to use it effectively.