Streams

1 definition found

From The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (27 SEP 03) [foldoc]:

  STREAMS
       
           A collection of {system calls}, {kernel}
          resources, and kernel utility routines that can create, use,
          and dismantle a {stream}.  A "stream head" provides the
          interface between the stream and the user processes.  Its


          principal function is to process STREAMS-related user system
          calls.  A "stream module" processes data that travel bewteen
          the stream head and driver.  The "stream end" provides the
          services of an external input/output device or an internal
          software driver.  The internal software driver is commonly
          called a {pseudo-device} driver.
       
          The STREAMS concept has been formalised in {Unix} {System V}.
          For example, {SVR4} implements {sockets} and {pipes} using
          STREAMS, resulting in pipe(2) openning bidirectional pipes.
       
          [IBM AIX 3.2 Communication Programming Concepts, SC23-2206-03].
       
          (1999-06-29)