Operating System Questions Medium
The purpose of system calls in an operating system is to provide a way for user-level programs to interact with the underlying operating system kernel. System calls act as an interface between the user-level applications and the operating system, allowing them to request services or resources from the kernel.
System calls provide a standardized set of functions that enable applications to perform various tasks such as file operations, process management, memory management, input/output operations, and network communication. By making system calls, applications can access the underlying hardware and utilize the services provided by the operating system.
System calls also ensure that user-level programs run in a protected and controlled environment. They enforce security and access control mechanisms, preventing unauthorized access to system resources. System calls also handle exceptions and errors, allowing the operating system to respond appropriately to various events and conditions.
Overall, system calls play a crucial role in facilitating communication and coordination between user-level applications and the operating system, enabling the efficient and secure execution of programs on a computer system.