SYSTEM CALL Meaning and
Definition
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A system call is a fundamental programming interface provided by an operating system (OS) that enables user-level processes to request various services from the operating system kernel. It is a mechanism by which user-level processes can interact with the underlying kernel and gain access to its capabilities and resources.
In a computer system, the operating system provides a layer of abstraction between the hardware and the user processes running on it. User processes cannot directly access hardware resources or execute privileged operations. Instead, they make use of system calls to request the operating system to perform specific tasks or provide access to system resources on their behalf.
The system call interface provides a set of standardized functions that allow user processes to perform diverse operations, such as file management (open, read, write, close), process management (fork, exec, exit), memory allocation/deallocation, device control, network operations, inter-process communication, and so on. Each system call is identified by a unique number or identifier and has a defined set of arguments specifying the parameters or data required for the requested operation.
When a user process wants to make a system call, it executes a special instruction (often called a trap or software interrupt) that transfers control to the kernel mode. The kernel, upon receiving this control, identifies the specific system call requested by the process through the provided identifier or parameters, executes the corresponding kernel code, and then returns the result or information back to the user process.
In summary, system calls provide a controlled and secure interface for user-level processes to interact with the operating system, enabling them to access various system resources and functionalities that would otherwise be restricted.
Common Misspellings for SYSTEM CALL
- aystem call
- zystem call
- xystem call
- dystem call
- eystem call
- wystem call
- ststem call
- sgstem call
- shstem call
- sustem call
- s7stem call
- s6stem call
- syatem call
- syztem call
- syxtem call
- sydtem call
- syetem call
- sywtem call
- sysrem call
Etymology of SYSTEM CALL
The term "system call" comes from computer systems and programming. The word "system" refers to the underlying operating system of a computer, and a "call" refers to a command or request made by a program to the operating system. Together, "system call" implies a mechanism that allows a program to request services or functionality from the operating system.
The term "system call" is derived from the earlier concept of "procedure calls" in programming languages. In procedural programming, a procedure call is made to execute a predefined set of instructions or routines. Similarly, a system call allows a program to invoke predefined functions provided by the operating system.
The etymology of "system call" is based on the idea that programs interact with the underlying system by making specific requests or calls to the operating system to perform various tasks and access system resources.
Similar spelling words for SYSTEM CALL
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