|
|
System calls are used by programs and utilities to request services from the kernel. These can involve passing data to the kernel to be written to disk, finding process information and creating new processes. By allowing the kernel to perform these services on behalf of an application program, they can be provided transparently. For example, a program can write data without needing to be concerned whether this is to a file, memory, or a physical device such as disk or tape. It also prevents programs from directly manipulating and accidentally damaging system structures.
System calls can adversely affect performance because of the overhead required to go into system mode and the extra context switching that may result.