GNU Info

(libc.info)I/O Overview

---

Next: I/O on Streams Prev: Pattern Matching Up: Top

---

Enter node , (file) or (file)node

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:

   * Note: I/O on Streams, which covers the high-level functions that
     operate on streams, including formatted input and output.

   * Note: Low-Level I/O, which covers the basic I/O and control
     functions on file descriptors.

   * Note: File System Interface, which covers functions for
     operating on directories and for manipulating file attributes such
     as access modes and ownership.

   * Note: Pipes and FIFOs, which includes information on the basic
     interprocess communication facilities.

   * Note: Sockets, which covers a more complicated interprocess
     communication facility with support for networking.

   * Note: Low-Level Terminal Interface, which covers functions for
     changing how input and output to terminals or other serial devices
     are processed.

I/O Concepts

Some basic information and terminology.

File Names

How to refer to a file.