What role do interrupts play in an operating system?

Interrupts play a crucial role in an operating system by signaling the OS to pay attention to a specific event. When an interrupt occurs, it temporarily halts the current execution flow, allowing the operating system to handle the event that caused the interrupt, such as input from a user, hardware failure, or the completion of an I/O operation. This mechanism allows the system to respond quickly to critical events and maintain a smooth and efficient operation of multiple concurrent processes.

When an interrupt is generated, the processor saves its current context and switches to execute the interrupt handler, which processes the event. After the event has been handled, control is returned to the original process, allowing for a seamless user experience. This efficient communication mechanism between hardware and software is essential for multitasking and real-time applications, as it enables the OS to prioritize and manage various tasks effectively.