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Cruger
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Hi there,
Can somebody explain me the main function in Interrupt in the operating System?
Can somebody explain me the main function in Interrupt in the operating System?
The main function of an Interrupt in a computer is to temporarily suspend the currently executing program and transfer control to a specific routine or service. This allows the computer to handle urgent or time-sensitive tasks, such as receiving input from a user or responding to an error.
An Interrupt works by sending a signal to the CPU, which then interrupts the current program and saves its state. The CPU then jumps to the Interrupt Service Routine (ISR) to handle the task, and once it is completed, the CPU returns to the original program and restores its state.
There are three types of Interrupts in a computer: hardware, software, and internal. Hardware Interrupts are triggered by external devices, such as a keyboard or mouse. Software Interrupts are initiated by programs to request services from the operating system. Internal Interrupts are generated by the CPU itself to handle errors or exceptions.
An Interrupt differs from a Subroutine in that it is an external event that interrupts the current program, while a Subroutine is a part of the program that is called by the main program. Interrupts are also handled by the CPU and have a higher priority than Subroutines, which are executed in a sequential manner.
Interrupts play a crucial role in multitasking by allowing the CPU to switch between different programs or tasks quickly. When an Interrupt is triggered, the current program is suspended, and the CPU can switch to another program to handle the urgent task. This allows for efficient use of the CPU and improves the overall performance of the computer.