Re: interview question how does application connects to device

Let me simplify the question.

I'll attempt to answer your questions...for my own edification! :)

1) What are the FIVE classic system calls for interfacing with a character device.  (ie. If it did not exist in 1970, don't list it).

open/close/read/write/seek?...and the infamous ioctl.

2) Which of the 5 is still heavily used in the kernel but is discouraged for new drivers being accepted into the linux kernel?

I'm guessing this is ioctl's...because now the preferred way to communicate/give commands to a device is via sysfs?

3) Name at least 3 alternatives that have been routinely used for out-of-band communication in the Linux kernel since 2000.

ioctl's, profs/sysfs, netlink sockets maybe? Thanks, -mandeep