Question

What are the differences between a trap (aka software interrupt) and an interrupt (hardware interrupt)? What is the use of each function

Answer 1

Answer:

Trap is a software interrupt that occurs when there is a system call, while hardware interrupt occurs when a hardware component needs urgent attention.

Explanation:

Interrupt is an input signal that disrupt the activities of a computer system, giving immediate attention to a hardware or software request.

In trap interrupt, the system activities are stop for a routine kernel mode operation, since it has a higher priority than the user mode. At the end of the interrupt, it switches control to the user mode.

The hardware interrupt is a signal from hardware devices like the input/output devices, storage and even peripheral devices that draws an immediate attention of the processor, stopping and saving other activities and executing the event with an interrupt handler.