In the context of Linux, a system call is a specific type of function that allows user-space programs to interact with the Linux kernel. Through system calls, software applications request the kernel to perform various operations like file I/O, process control, networking, and memory management, among others.
Below is the process flow of a simple open file system call:
Why Do We Need System Call?
System calls are essential for several reasons, mainly related to security, abstraction, and system integrity. Here are few main reasons: