IDT Meaning and
Definition
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IDT stands for interrupt descriptor table. It is a data structure used in computer systems to store interrupt handlers and their associated interrupt vectors. An interrupt is a signal that halts the execution of a program at a specific point to handle an event or request. It allows the processor to temporarily pause its current tasks and allocate resources to handle the interrupt request.
The IDT is typically maintained by the operating system and contains entries for various interrupt types, such as hardware interrupts, software interrupts, and exceptions. Each entry in the IDT refers to a specific interrupt handler routine that is responsible for handling a particular interrupt. These handlers are usually pre-registered with the operating system, allowing it to route the interrupt to the appropriate handler.
The IDT is organized as an array or table, where each entry consists of fields describing the interrupt type, the memory location of the handler, and various control flags. When an interrupt occurs, the processor consults the IDT to determine the corresponding interrupt handler based on the interrupt vector. It then transfers control to the handler, which carries out the necessary tasks to service the interrupt.
Overall, the IDT plays a vital role in managing interrupts and maintaining system stability, as it enables the efficient handling of various events and requests that occur during the execution of computer programs.
Common Misspellings for IDT
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