Linux Mastery: From Developer to System Expert

A comprehensive Linux curriculum designed for experienced developers transitioning to Linux system mastery. This curriculum employs the STAR Method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to teach through real-world production scenarios, ensuring practical applicability and measurable learning outcomes.

Author: Claude Code - Anthropic's AI assistant for software engineering tasks

Learning Path Overview

Section 1: System Architecture & Boot Process

• 01. Linux Kernel Architecture - Understanding the heart of Linux
• 02. Systemd and Init Systems - Modern service management
• 03. The Boot Process - From BIOS/UEFI to login prompt
• 04. Device Management - udev, sysfs, and hardware abstraction
• 05. Kernel Modules - Dynamic kernel extensions

Section 2: Advanced File Systems & Storage

• 06. Filesystem Internals - ext4, XFS, and VFS layer
• 07. LVM and RAID - Flexible storage management
• 08. Modern Filesystems: Btrfs & ZFS - Next-generation storage
• 09. Disk I/O Optimization - Performance tuning and monitoring
• 10. Quotas and ACLs - Advanced permissions and limits
• 11. FUSE Filesystems - Userspace filesystem development

Section 3: Process Management & Performance

• 12. Process Scheduling - CFS, real-time, and priority
• 13. Memory Management - Virtual memory, swap, and OOM
• 14. Cgroups and Namespaces - Resource control and isolation
• 15. Performance Tuning - Kernel parameters and optimization
• 16. Debugging and Tracing - perf, ftrace, and eBPF

Section 4: Networking Deep Dive

• 17. Linux Network Stack - From packets to sockets
• 18. Iptables and Nftables - Advanced firewall configuration
• 19. Network Namespaces - Network isolation and virtualization
• 20. VPN and Tunneling - OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec
• 21. Traffic Shaping - QoS and bandwidth management
• 22. Network Troubleshooting - Advanced diagnostics

Section 5: Security & Hardening

• 23. SELinux and AppArmor - Mandatory access control
• 24. PAM Authentication - Flexible authentication framework
• 25. Linux Audit Framework - System auditing and compliance
• 26. System Hardening - Best practices and tools
• 27. Cryptography Tools - LUKS, GPG, and certificates

Section 6: Advanced Topics & Automation

• 28. Container Internals - How containers really work
• 29. Automation with Ansible - Infrastructure as code
• 30. Building Custom Kernels - Kernel compilation and patches
• 31. Embedded Linux - Minimal systems and IoT
• 32. Troubleshooting Methodology - Systematic problem solving

STAR Method Teaching Approach

This curriculum uses the STAR Method to teach Linux concepts through production scenarios:

STAR Learning Framework:

• Situation: Real-world production problems with business impact
• Task: Clear objectives with measurable success criteria
• Action: Step-by-step technical solutions with commands
• Result: Quantifiable improvements and lessons learned

Enhanced Learning Features:

• Production Scenarios: Every concept taught through actual crisis situations
• Business Context: Financial impact, deadlines, and stakeholder pressure
• Quantifiable Results: Performance improvements, cost savings, uptime gains
• Practical Commands: Immediately applicable technical solutions
• Progressive Complexity: Building from basic to advanced scenarios

For Each Lesson:

1. Learn through STAR scenarios with real business impact
2. Practice with production-grade commands and techniques
3. Complete STAR Learning Exercises requiring critical thinking
4. Apply knowledge using scenario-based quick reference guides
5. Document your solutions and preventive measures

Recommended Schedule:

• Week 1-2: System Architecture (Lessons 1-5)
• Week 3-4: File Systems & Storage (Lessons 6-11)
• Week 5-6: Process Management (Lessons 12-16)
• Week 7-8: Networking (Lessons 17-22)
• Week 9-10: Security (Lessons 23-27)
• Week 11-12: Advanced Topics (Lessons 28-32)

Lab Environment Setup

Create a dedicated lab environment:

# Install essential tools
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y build-essential git vim tmux htop iotop sysstat strace ltrace

# Create lab directory
mkdir -p ~/linux-lab/{scripts,configs,logs}
cd ~/linux-lab

Additional Resources

Books:

• "Linux Kernel Development" by Robert Love
• "Understanding the Linux Kernel" by Bovet & Cesati
• "Linux System Programming" by Robert Love

Online:

• Kernel Documentation
• Linux From Scratch
• Arch Wiki

STAR Method Implementation Status

Track your progress through production-scenario learning:

Completed Lessons (STAR Method Enhanced):

• 01. Linux Kernel Architecture - 17 STAR scenarios across system calls, modules, and performance
• 02. Systemd and Init Systems - 15 STAR scenarios covering service management and troubleshooting
• 03. The Boot Process - 12 STAR scenarios from UEFI to performance optimization

Traditional Lessons (Planned for STAR Transformation):

• Section 1: System Architecture (Lessons 4-5)
• Section 2: File Systems & Storage (Lessons 6-11)
• Section 3: Process Management (Lessons 12-16)
• Section 4: Networking (Lessons 17-22)
• Section 5: Security (Lessons 23-27)
• Section 6: Advanced Topics (Lessons 28-32)

STAR Learning Metrics:

• Total Scenarios Created: 44 production scenarios
• Business Impact Coverage: Financial services, healthcare, gaming, e-commerce, HPC
• Quantifiable Results: All scenarios include measurable improvements
• Commands Reference: Scenario-based quick-lookup guides included

STAR Method Guidelines

For creating or enhancing lessons, reference STAR-METHOD-GUIDELINES.md which provides:

• Complete scenario templates and examples
• Quality metrics and realism checklist
• Industry context and business impact guidelines
• Technical depth requirements for production scenarios

---

The STAR Method transforms traditional Linux learning into production-ready expertise through real-world scenario mastery. Every crisis becomes a learning opportunity with measurable results.

Generated with Claude Code - Anthropic's AI assistant for comprehensive technical education