Mastering Real-time Linux: PREEMPT-RT and Beyond

From Kernel to Code: Hands-On Real-Time Linux Development with PREEMPT_RT and POSIX Threads

What you'll learn
- Understand the fundamentals of real-time computing and how Linux can be adapted to meet real-time requirements.
- Set up, configure, and optimize a Real-Time Linux kernel (with PREEMPT-RT) for deterministic performance.
- Develop and debug real-time applications in Linux using threads, scheduling policies, and synchronization mechanisms.
- Analyze and measure system latency and jitter using industry-standard tools, and apply best practices to real-world embedded and industrial projects.

Requirements
- Basic knowledge of Linux (using the terminal, editing files, running commands).
- Familiarity with programming in C or C++ (basic syntax, compiling, debugging).
- A computer with Linux installed (Ubuntu, Debian, or similar) — or the ability to set up a virtual machine.

Description
Build Real-Time Systems with Linux — from Kernel Fundamentals to Deterministic Applications.

This course takes you on a practical journey throughReal-Time Linuxusing thePREEMPT_RT patch, giving you the knowledge and tools to transform a standard Linux kernel into alow-latency, predictable, real-time platform.

Whether you’re developing forindustrial automation,robotics,aerospace, orembedded systems, this course will help you understandhow Linux achieves determinism— and how to design applications that meet strict timing constraints.

What You’ll Learn

The core concepts ofreal-time computinganddeterminism

HowPREEMPT_RTtransforms the Linux kernel for real-time performance

Building and configuring areal-time kernel (e.g., Linux 6.1)

Measuring and tuningsystem latencyusing tools like cyclictest

Writingreal-time C/C++ applicationswith pthread, priorities, and CPU affinity

Understandingpriority inheritanceandscheduling policies(SCHED_FIFO, SCHED_RR, SCHED_DEADLINE)

Isolating CPUs and optimizing for predictability

Hands-On Experience

This course emphasizespractical implementation:

Build areal-time kernelfrom source and apply thePREEMPT_RT patch

Configureboot parametersandCPU isolation

Implementreal-time applicationsusing POSIX threads

Who This Course Is For

Embedded systems engineers and developers

Linux system programmers

Robotics and automation developers

Anyone interested inlow-latency and deterministic systems

Requirements

Basic knowledge of Linux commands and shell scripting

Some C or C++ programming experience

A Linux development environment (e.g., Ubuntu, Debian, or similar)

Why Take This Course

Linux is everywhere, but standard Linux is not deterministic.By understanding how to configure and program areal-time Linux system, you’ll unlock the ability to buildresponsive, reliable, and time-critical softwarefor any industry.

Who this course is for:
- Embedded systems engineers who want to build reliable, deterministic applications on Linux.
- Software developers interested in real-time programming and system-level optimization.
- Robotics and automation professionals who need precise timing and low-latency control.
- Computer science or electrical engineering students looking to expand their knowledge of operating systems and real-time systems.
- Anyone with Linux experience who wants to explore real-time capabilities for industrial, automotive, or IoT projects.
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