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How interrupts are classified ?

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By Dipali Umre

Basically the interrupts can be classified in the following three ways :

  1. Hardware and Software Interrupts:
    • Hardware Interrupts: These are like someone knocking on your door (the CPU). Something external, like a device, sends a signal to the CPU, saying “Hey, I need your attention!”
    • Software Interrupts: Think of these as reminders you set for yourself. Inside a program, you can put special instructions that tell the CPU, “Pause what you’re doing and pay attention to this specific task.”
  2. Vectored and Non-vectored Interrupts:
    • Vectored Interrupts: When a hardware or software interrupt happens, the CPU knows exactly where to go to handle it. It’s like having a map that guides you straight to where you need to be.
    • Non-vectored Interrupts: Here, the interrupting device (like a hardware component) has to provide additional information to the CPU about where to go. It’s like someone asking for directions each time they need something.
  3. Maskable and Non-maskable Interrupts:
    • Maskable Interrupts: These interrupts can be ignored if the CPU is busy with something very important. It’s like having an option to silence notifications on your phone when you’re in a meeting.
    • Non-maskable Interrupts: These are super important, like emergency alerts. The CPU can’t ignore them; it has to stop whatever it’s doing and address them immediately, no matter what. It’s like an urgent call that you can’t ignore.
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