Description: A device node is a representation of a device in the file system that allows user-space programs to interact with the device. In many operating systems, each device connected to the system is represented as a file in a designated directory, often referred to as /dev in Unix-like systems. This abstraction allows programs to access hardware devices, such as hard drives, printers, and network ports, in a uniform and straightforward manner. Device nodes can be classified into two types: block nodes and character nodes. Block nodes represent devices that handle data in blocks, such as hard drives, while character nodes represent devices that handle data as streams of characters, such as keyboards and mice. This structure facilitates communication between hardware and software, allowing operating systems to manage resources efficiently and applications to interact with hardware without needing to know the specific details of each device. Additionally, device nodes are fundamental for the implementation of device drivers, which are programs that enable the operating system to interact effectively with hardware.
