POSIX API
The POSIX API (Portable Operating System Interface Application Programming Interface) is a standardized set of specifications for operating system interfaces, primarily for Unix-like systems, ensuring compatibility and portability across different platforms. It defines functions for file operations, process management, inter-process communication, and system calls, allowing developers to write software that runs consistently on compliant systems. This standard is maintained by the IEEE and is widely adopted in environments requiring cross-platform compatibility.
Developers should learn the POSIX API when working on Unix-like systems (e.g., Linux, macOS, BSD) or embedded systems to write portable, low-level system software, such as daemons, shells, or utilities that rely on standardized OS interactions. It is essential for tasks like file I/O, process control, and threading in C/C++ programs, as it provides a reliable foundation that avoids vendor-specific dependencies, making code easier to maintain and deploy across different environments.