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So would it be correct to say that functionally, it’s similar to DMA, but the API is different because “channels” expose a consistent interface while DMA doesn’
by dkersten 8y ago
So would it be correct to say that functionally, it’s similar to DMA, but the API is different because “channels” expose a consistent interface while DMA doesn’t?
- kazinator 8y agoChannels only expose a consistent interface as long as there is no other mainframe other than an IBM one, or compatible. Once you have two, and you want portable applications, using channel I/O instructions directly inline goes out the window; you need an API.
- marshray 8y agoOne could say this about any library or OS feature. Berkeley Sockets, for example. Porting code is easier when there are portable APIs. But that doesn't diminish from the quality of the abstraction.