ALSA
ALSA (Advanced Linux Sound Architecture) is a software framework and part of the Linux kernel that provides an API for sound card device drivers on Linux systems. It handles low-level audio functions such as capturing and playing back audio, mixing multiple audio streams, and managing hardware resources. ALSA replaced the older OSS (Open Sound System) and is the standard audio subsystem for modern Linux distributions.
Developers should learn ALSA when working on Linux-based audio applications, embedded systems with audio capabilities, or when needing direct hardware access for low-latency audio processing. It is essential for building audio drivers, music production software, VoIP applications, and multimedia tools on Linux, as it offers fine-grained control over audio hardware and supports professional audio features like sample rate conversion and hardware mixing.