interview question how does application connects to device

[StephanT]

Hi all,

----- Original Message -----
> From: Greg Freemyer <greg.freemyer at gmail.com>


> 
> Correct, ioctl is no longer preferred, but it is definitely still
> used.  And the ext4 team is still adding new ioctl commands despite it
> being discouraged.
> 


If ioctl is no longer preferred what is its preferred alternative ?

Could you, please explain why ioctl felt in disgrace.


Thanks,
Stephan.