An Interrupt Request (IRQ) is a signal sent to the processor to gain its attention for immediate processing of a task, temporarily halting the current code execution. This mechanism is crucial for handling asynchronous events and ensures efficient multitasking by prioritizing urgent tasks over ongoing processes.

Interrupt Request (IRQ)

An Interrupt Request (IRQ) is a signal sent to the processor to indicate that an event needs immediate attention, temporarily halting the current code execution to prioritize the interrupt handler. This mechanism allows efficient handling of asynchronous events, ensuring that critical tasks are processed promptly in operating systems and embedded systems.

Interrupt Request

signal sent to the processor

immediate processing of a task

current code execution

Asynchronous events are occurrences in computing systems that happen independently of the main program flow, allowing other processes to continue executing without waiting for these events to conclude. This mechanism is crucial for improving efficiency, responsiveness, and resource utilization in applications ranging from web servers to user interfaces.

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