linux programming

I've been doing win32, but made a switch because I want open source, etc

I want to program using Linux without using libraries/wraps, etc.
so what is under ncurses when it comes to linux? Can i do everything in curses, only using the kernel?

for example GTK+ & QT are built on top of Xlib(regarded as linux native gui api).
the linux kernel was used to build xlib?

Why are unix and linux regarded as the same? doesn't linux have a different kernel?
Last edited on
Why are unix and linux regarded as the same?
They're not. But Linux supports a POSIX interface which is the basis of their compatibility.

I want to program using Linux without using libraries/wraps, etc.
That sounds painful.

so what is under ncurses when it comes to linux?
ncurses is a text based library. It allows you to writte anywhere in a text console and has higher level notions like Window and so on.

Can i do everything in curses, only using the kernel?
Curses has nothing to do with the Linux kernel. You're confusing the kernel with the user-land environment. If you want to play around with the kernel, you can do that, but that has little to do with writing a user application.

for example GTK+ & QT are built on top of Xlib(regarded as linux native gui api).
the linux kernel was used to build xlib?
These things have nothig to do with the Linux kernel. Perhaps you could start by browsing The Art of Unix Programming alongside programming.
http://www.catb.org/esr/writings/taoup/html/
I've been doing win32, but made a switch because I want open source, etc


Nobody stops you from developing and/or open source applications and libraries on windows.

so what is under ncurses when it comes to linux? Can i do everything in curses, only using the kernel?


As kbw pointed out - if you're only using the kernel, you aren't using curses. And you're in a world of hurt.

(regarded as linux native gui api).


No it's not. Stop confusing what you think you've heard somewhere with fact.

doesn't linux have a different kernel?


Linux IS a kernel (+ lots of other stuff that's become associated with it over time, like GNU).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kernel_(computing)
Last edited on
but win32 isnt open source, so I can't learn the internals by looking at the source code

i don't think i need to use curses, I think i can just use escape codes, etc I only need to set cursor position
Last edited on
You're confusing many different things. The Linux kernel, tty programming, Gui programming are all as different from each other as win32 is from posix.

Why don't you just stop and read for a little so you can begin to understand what things are.
Topic archived. No new replies allowed.