UNIX network programming

Building Reliable Client–Server Applications Using Sockets and System Calls

What you'll learn
- Demonstrate proficiency in using fundamental UNIX networking commands and explain the underlying network architecture and TCP/IP concepts.
- Apply concepts of IP addressing, subnetting, and socket programming to establish reliable and connectionless network communications.
- Implement client-server models in UNIX using system calls such as fork(), exec(), and various host and service-related functions like gethostbyname() and getser
- Develop and evaluate TCP and UDP-based network applications using blocking and non-blocking mechanisms with proper signal handling techniques.

Requirements
- Basic Knowledge of Operating Systems: Students should be familiar with fundamental UNIX or Linux commands, file systems, and process management. Foundations in Computer Networks: Understanding of basic networking concepts such as the OSI model, TCP/IP layers, and IP addressing is recommended. Proficiency in C Programming: Ability to write, compile, and debug programs in the C language, including using pointers, structures, and system calls. Familiarity with System Programming Concepts: Exposure to inter-process communication (IPC), process creation (fork, exec), and basic input/output handling in UNIX.

Description
TheUNIX Network Programmingcourse provides an in-depth exploration of how network-based applications are developed, configured, and managed in UNIX environments. The course begins with the fundamentals of UNIX networking commands and network architecture, gradually progressing to TCP/IP protocol concepts, IP addressing, and subnetting techniques. Students will learn the principles of socket programming, including different types of sockets, socket addressing, and essential system calls like fork(), exec(), and networking conversion functions. Through hands-on coding exercises, learners will gain practical experience in developing TCP and UDP-based client–server applications. Special emphasis is placed on understanding POSIX signal handling, concurrent server design, and managing both blocking and non-blocking communication. By integrating theoretical understanding with practical implementation, this course enables students to build reliable and efficient networked systems in real-world UNIX environments. Learners will also explore advanced concepts such as inter-process communication and error handling, strengthening their ability to design scalable networking solutions. Upon completion, students will be proficient in creating, testing, and troubleshooting network programs, and will have the technical foundation to pursue advanced topics in distributed systems, cybersecurity, and cloud computing frameworks. It also explains about UDP client server communications. This course serves as a bridge between operating systems and real-time network software development.

Who this course is for:
- This course is designed for: Undergraduate and postgraduate students in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related disciplines who wish to gain hands-on experience in UNIX-based network programming. Software developers and system programmers interested in building networked applications using sockets, TCP/IP, and inter-process communication in UNIX environments. Network engineers and administrators who want to deepen their understanding of low-level network operations and protocol handling through programming. Researchers and learners aiming to explore advanced topics such as concurrent server design, signal handling, and client-server architecture implementation in real-world systems.
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