11 Input/Output Overview
Most programs need to do either input (reading data) or output (writing
data), or most frequently both, in order to do anything useful. The GNU
C library provides such a large selection of input and output functions
that the hardest part is often deciding which function is most
appropriate!
This chapter introduces concepts and terminology relating to input
and output. Other chapters relating to the GNU I/O facilities are:
- I/O on Streams, which covers the high-level functions
that operate on streams, including formatted input and output.
- Low-Level I/O, which covers the basic I/O and control
functions on file descriptors.
- File System Interface, which covers functions for operating on
directories and for manipulating file attributes such as access modes
and ownership.
- Pipes and FIFOs, which includes information on the basic interprocess
communication facilities.
- Sockets, which covers a more complicated interprocess communication
facility with support for networking.
- Low-Level Terminal Interface, which covers functions for changing
how input and output to terminals or other serial devices are processed.