Top Linux books recommended by experts

At MentorCruise, we are all about making the most out of the experience of others. As part of that, we've connected and asked dozens of experts and professionals about their favourite Linux books – and here are the answers.

Table of Contents

Fundamentals of Linux

Understanding the concepts of Linux starts with understanding the fundamentals. On your way to mastery, it's crucial for you to understand how certain concepts were derived, and why things work like they do. Starting with these resources is the best way to do so.

Linux in a Nutshell: A Desktop Quick Reference

This updated edition offers a tighter focus on Linux system essentials, as well as more coverage of new capabilities such as virtualization, wireless network management, and revision control with git. It also highlights the most important options for using the vast number of Linux commands.

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The Linux Programming Interface

The Linux Programming Interface (TLPI) is the definitive guide to the Linux and UNIX programming interface—the interface employed by nearly every application that runs on a Linux or UNIX system.

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The Linux Command Line: A Complete Introduction

You've experienced the shiny, point-and-click surface of your Linux computer—now dive below and explore its depths with the power of the command line. The Linux Command Line takes you from your very first terminal keystrokes to writing full programs in Bash, the most popular Linux shell. Along the way you'll learn the timeless skills handed down by generations of gray-bearded, mouse-shunning g…

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Linux pocket guide

Linux Pocket Guide provides an organized learning path to help you gain mastery of the most useful and important commands. Whether you're a novice who needs to get up to speed on Linux or an experienced user who wants a concise and functional reference, this guide provides quick answers.

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Linux Essentials

Linux Essentials, 2nd Edition provides a solid foundation of knowledge for anyone considering a career in information technology, for anyone new to the Linux operating system, and for anyone who is preparing to sit for the Linux Essentials Exam. Through this engaging resource, you can access key information in a learning-by-doing style. Hands-on tutorials and end-of-chapter exercises and revie…

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Linux in a Nutshell

Linux in a Nutshell covers the core commands available on common Linux distributions. This isn't a scaled-down quick reference of common commands, but a complete reference to all user, programming, administration, and networking commands with complete lists of options.

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Additional Linux Reading

These books are not required for you to learn Linux, but they are highly recommended for you to deepen your knowledge.

Linux pour les nuls

One of the fastest ways to learn Linux is with this perennial favoriteEight previous top-selling editions of "Linux For Dummies" can't be wrong. If you've been wanting to migrate to Linux, this book is the best way to get there. Written in easy-to-follow, everyday terms, "Linux For Dummies 9th Edition" gets you started by concentrating on two distributions of Linux that beginners love: the Ubu…

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BASH Guide

BASH Guide contains everything you need to know about Bash scripting, whether you are diving in for the first time, or are a seasoned pro.
No matter if you use Linux, Unix, Mac, Cygwin on Windows, or are preparing to run Bash natively on Windows 10, shells, scripting, automation, and command-line problem solving is a fact of life. Though BASH Guide is focused on the Bourne-again shell (BASH…

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Linux System Programming: Talking Directly to the Kernel and C Library

Write software that draws directly on services offered by the Linux kernel and core system libraries. With this comprehensive book, Linux kernel contributor Robert Love provides you with a tutorial on Linux system programming, a reference manual on Linux system calls, and an insider’s guide to writing smarter, faster code. Love clearly distinguishes between POSIX standard functions and special…

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Linux for Beginners: An Introduction to the Linux Operating System

The Linux Operating System is a type of operating system that is similar to Unix, and it is built upon the Linux Kernel. The Linux Kernel is like the brain of the operating system because it manages how the computer interacts with its hardware and resources. It makes sure everything works smoothly and efficiently.

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Shell Scripting: How to Automate Command Line Tasks Using Bash Scripting and Shell Programming

If you want to learn how to write shell scripts like a pro, solve real-world problems, or automate repetitive and complex tasks, read on.
Hello. My name is Jason Cannon and I'm the author of Linux for Beginners, Python Programming for Beginners, and an instructor to thousands of satisfied students. I started my IT career in the late 1990's as a Unix and Linux System Engineer and I'll be sha…

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Linux Kernel Development

Linux Kernel Development details the design and implementation of the Linux kernel, presenting the content in a manner that is beneficial to those writing and developing kernel code, as well as to programmers seeking to better understand the operating system and become more efficient and productive in their coding.

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Specializations and Deeper Linux Knowledge

You've got your basics in order – time to move on to some advanced and specialized concepts. Linux is evolving every day, these books can help you master it.

The Debian Administrator's Handbook: Debian Jessie From Discovery To Mastery

Accessible to all, this book teaches the essentials to anyone who wants to become an effective and independent Debian GNU/Linux administrator. It covers all the topics that a competent Linux administrator should master, from the installation and the update of the system, up to the creation of packages and the compilation of the kernel, but also monitoring, backup and migration, without forgett…

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Kali Linux for Beginners; A step-by-step Guide to Ethical Hacking: Mastering Cybersecurity with Hands-On Exercises

Are you fascinated by the world of cybersecurity? Do you want to learn the same tools used by hackers and penetration testers—but without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon? Kali Linux for Beginners offers an accessible way to step into the realm of ethical hacking, even if you have zero prior experience. This comprehensive guide takes you from a beginner to a capable ethical hacker with …

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