Trap (computing)

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In computing and operating systems, a trap is a type of synchronous interrupt typically caused by an exceptional condition (e.g. division by zero or invalid memory access) in a user process. A trap usually results in a switch to kernel mode, wherein the operating system performs some action before returning control to the originating process. In some usages, the term trap refers specifically to an interrupt intended to initate a context switch to a monitor program or debugger.^[1]

[edit] See also

• System call
• Signal (computing)
• SIGTRAP

[edit] References

1. ^ The Jargon File, version 4.4.7 (2003-10-27). Retrieved on February 3, 2007.