ioctl
ioctl (input/output control) is a system call in Unix-like operating systems used for device-specific operations that don't fit into standard read/write operations. It provides a mechanism for user-space applications to communicate with and control hardware devices, drivers, or kernel modules by sending commands and data. This allows for operations like configuring device parameters, querying status, or performing specialized I/O tasks.
Developers should learn ioctl when working with low-level system programming, device drivers, or embedded systems that require direct hardware interaction. It's essential for implementing custom device control, such as setting baud rates on serial ports, configuring network interfaces, or managing specialized hardware like sensors. Use ioctl in scenarios where standard file operations are insufficient for device management.