Linux

i'm a grad student taking a UNIX course and a networks course (i have a background in C++ and JAVA). i'm trying to combine the two classes.
My questions stems from a networks programming homework assignment below:
"Using the operating system and language of your choice, develop a program to set and monitor a serial interface. Display the interface status at the start of the program. Initialize the interface (DTR, RTS, 8 data bits, no parity, 19,200 bps). Report all interface status changes."

first question:
I want to try this on Linux RedHat (newbie)....can this program be done using shell commands (bash or korn)? Or are those too 'low-level' and i should write it in JAVA on the linux machine?

second question:
once i do start the programming (regardless of language)....if i compile and run it on the RedHat linux machine any idea whether i can connect serial ports (RJ-11 connection) to a computer running Windows XP Pro and not have any interference with the different OSs?

trostycp, this isn't meant to sound condescending in any way, but it is gonna be a bit unhelpful ... please look at the site rules. Esp number 6.

I was and still am a student and I know the best thing you can do is try till you get stuck, and then turn to your teacher...

But from first glance at your question, are you sure you aren't thinking this through too hard? If your networking class doesn't require you to know java to take the class, then they shouldn't expect you to use java for the assignment. Same with c++...

I didn't want anyone to code for me....I just wanted to make sure I wasn't wasting my time trying to fit the cylinder shape in the opening to the triangle shape.
I was hoping to expand my horizon in Linux and bash....but I didn't want to spend more than 48 hours wasting my time. The class is already demanding enough.
What class in graduate school doesn't expect you to know some form of high level programming language?

Just because arithmetic isn't a pre-requisite to calculus....doesn't mean you don't have to know it.

In a nutshell, yes; instructors won't see this site as credible if it is a place for students to just have their homework done.

I'm not talking about your specific question though; I mean in general. There're questions that having nothing to do with hmwk, questions that are flat-out attempts to just have homework completed by someone here, and a whole lotta gray in between. I'm sure if someone feels inclined, they'll point you in the right direction or help you along... esp since you appear to know quite a bit about what you're doing.

I think there are a lot of grey areas in that department...but I think if no code is posted....the question is simply "directional".
solving general issues.

yes....i could and maybe should just approach my prof.

In java for instance, use the javax.comm API


bash or korn may have a API. The choice is yours. What do
you feel more comfortable programming in. Also, some API's
might be better in some languages then in others.

Java (javax.comm API) is just ok for what you want. If this
were a real app and not HW. C would be better.

JAVA is platform independent for one thing. It is more the way
you transfer the data. In the end it is all binary anyway.

If you need examples of using javax.comm API go to sun. HINT