I/O routines, short for Input/Output routines, refer to a set of functions or procedures that enable the interaction between a computer system and its input/output devices. These routines facilitate the flow of data between the central processing unit (CPU) and various peripheral devices, such as keyboards, printers, disks, and displays.
I/O routines serve as an intermediary between the computer system and the external devices, managing the exchange of information to ensure the smooth operation of data transfer. These routines typically handle tasks such as data input, output, and storage, as well as device control and error handling.
The primary goal of I/O routines is to abstract the complexities of interacting with different types of devices from the application programs running on the system. By providing a standardized interface, I/O routines allow software developers to write portable code that can work with various hardware configurations without the need for extensive modifications.
In practical terms, I/O routines are often provided as libraries or software modules, included in the operating system or available as separate software packages. They typically support a range of functions, including reading and writing data from/to devices, managing queues and buffers, handling interrupts, and controlling device settings.
Overall, I/O routines are essential components of computer systems, enabling the efficient and reliable exchange of data between the CPU and external devices, and simplifying the development process for software applications.
