Tutorial Playlist
47 Lessons1. Introduction to Operating System
2. Types of Operating Systems
3. Linux Operating System
4. An Introduction To Unix Operating System
5. Ubuntu Operating System
6. MS DOS Operating System
7. Mobile Operating System
8. Understanding Functions of Operating System
9. Components of Operating System
10. Understanding the Kernel in Operating Systems
11. Structure of Operating System
12. Process in Operating System
13. What is Bios
14. What is Booting in Computer
15. What is Interrupt in Operating System?
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16. Process Control Block in Operating Systems
17. Threads in Operating System
18. Process Synchronization in OS
19. Critical Section in OS
20. Semaphore in Operating System
21. Deadlock in Operating System
22. Deadlock Prevention in OS
23. Paging in Operating System
24. Segmentation in Operating System
25. Virtual Memory in Operating System
26. File System in Operating Systems
27. Page Table in OS
28. Round Robin Scheduling in Operating System
29. Shortest Job First Scheduling Algorithm
30. Priority Scheduling in OS
31. Page Replacement Algorithms in Operating System
32. Race Condition in OS
33. Distributed Operating System
34. Navigating Contiguous Memory Allocation in Operating Systems
35. Fragmentation in Operating System
36. Banker’s Algorithm in OS
37. Context Switching in OS
38. First Come First Serve (FCFS) Scheduling Algorithm in Operating System
39. Understanding Inter Process Communication in OS
40. Multiprogramming Operating System
41. Python OS Module
42. Preemptive Priority Scheduling Algorithm
43. Resource Allocation Graph in OS
44. Scheduling Algorithms in OS
45. System Calls In Operating System
46. Thrashing in Operating Systems: A Deep Dive
47. Time Sharing Operating System
As someone who has worked as a software engineer for a while, I've encountered the concept of interrupts when dealing with operating systems. This topic can be quite confusing for newcomers to the field. In this piece, I'll guide you through everything you need to know about interrupts in operating systems so you can confidently address any queries or thoughts related to this concept. So, if you have been wondering what is interrupt – you’re in the right place! Let’s get started.
An interrupt in an OS is a signal that momentarily pauses the operation of a program or task, allowing the operating system to carry out an action or respond to a request. It serves as a mechanism utilized by hardware devices, software programs, or even the operating system itself to draw the CPU’s attention and prioritize handling events.
When an interrupt takes place, the CPU saves its status, which includes the program counter and registers, and hands over control to a routine known as an interrupt handler or interrupt service routine (ISR). The ISR deals with the interrupt by executing tasks and then returns control back to the interrupted program so it can continue running from where it was paused.
Before we move on to understand the different types of interrupt in OS, it’s good to keep in mind that the concepts of interrupts and so on come in extremely handy in the field of software development. So, if you’re looking for a MS in Computer Science course, or anything of that nature, having a better understanding of interrupts and some other core concepts will put you ahead of your peers!
Now that you’ve understood what is interrupt in OS, let’s look at the different types of interrupts. Interrupts can be classified into several types based on their origin and characteristics. Let's explore the major types of interrupts:
For all types of interrupt that occur, the operating system has a particular course of action that it follows. In my view and understanding, here are the various interrupt handling processes that are invoked:
So far, you have understood the different types of interrupts in OS as well as the different interrupt handling processes that OS invokes. Now, in case you are wondering what exactly is the significance of interrupts in an operating system, let’s look at that in this section. Here are some key reasons why interrupts are important:
1. Handling Time-Critical Events: Interrupts play an important role in allowing the operating system to process important events quickly and efficiently. In a computer system, various hardware devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, and network cards may require immediate attention from the processor. When a device needs repair or is ready to process data, it sends an interrupt signal to the processor. Interrupts allow the operating system to respond to these emergency events without delay.
Without interruptions, the processor must constantly poll the device to check its status or wait for data. This approach, known as busy-wait or polling, wastes valuable CPU cycles and leads to inefficient use of computing resources.
2. Enabling Multitasking: Interrupts are fundamental to multitasking in operating systems. Multitasking allows you to share CPU time and run multiple programs or processes at the same time. Operating systems accomplish this by using timer interrupts to periodically interrupt the execution of the current process and switch to another process.
These timer interruptions enable the operating system to evenly share CPU time among different processes, preventing any one process from taking over the CPU entirely.
3. Handling Exceptions and Errors: Interrupts provide a reliable mechanism for handling exceptions and errors that may occur during program execution. An exception is an abnormal condition that interrupts the normal flow of a program, such as a division by zero, an invalid memory access, or an invalid instruction. When an exception occurs, the processor generates an interrupt so that the operating system can take appropriate action.
By using interrupts to handle exceptions, operating systems can avoid crashes, protect system resources, and provide a controlled environment for program execution. Exception handling through interrupts enables the operating system to detect and respond to errors, ensuring overall system reliability and stability.
4. Facilitating System Services: When it comes to facilitating seamless communication between user programs and operating systems, interrupts in OS play a crucial role. Essentially, whenever a user program requires any OS service, a special system call is issued. System calls are simply a special set of instructions that cause a software interrupt and transfers control of the user program to the operating system kernel.
When a system interrupt occurs through a system call, the operating system first saves the current state of the user program and then switches to kernel mode. Fully protected mode as a kernel provides the operating system with direct access to system resources and automatically runs services on behalf of user applications. Once the job is complete, the operating system resets the user program's performance and returns control to the user program.
Device drivers that base their communication on interrupt-based protocols can be easily ingrained into the operating system. Such integration results in plug-and-play functionality of the system and eventually vaunts both flexibility and extensibility of the system.
The significance of interrupts in operating systems will become more apparent to you when you undertake any full stack development endeavor – either in the form of a full stack development course, or a project!
Interrupts are the primary way the operating system does its job, keeps track of resources, does multitasking, and behaves rapidly. Critical events such as software interruption, communications with hardware devices, and system services are handled by them on the CPU’s behalf. Engineers analyze types of interrupts and interrupt handling processes so as to apply them carefully to build faultless and rapid operating systems.
Check out software and tech courses offered by upGrad if you’re interested in further exploring the intricate world of computer science and OS.
Pavan Vadapalli
Motivated to leverage technology to solve problems. Seasoned leader for startups and fast moving orgs. Working on solving problems of scale and l…Read More
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upGrad does not grant credit; credits are granted, accepted or transferred at the sole discretion of the relevant educational institution offering the diploma or degree. We advise you to enquire further regarding the suitability of this program for your academic, professional requirements and job prospects before enr...