Description: A file descriptor is an integer that uniquely identifies an open file or resource in a computer’s operating system. This number is used by the operating system to access open files and manage associated input/output (I/O) operations. Each time a program opens a file or resource, the operating system assigns a file descriptor that allows the program to perform operations such as reading, writing, or closing the file or resource. File descriptors are fundamental in system programming, as they enable developers to interact with the file system and other resources in an efficient and controlled manner. In various operating systems, file descriptors represent not only files but also other resources such as sockets and pipes. This provides a unified interface for managing different types of I/O, simplifying the development of applications that require interaction with multiple system resources. Additionally, file descriptors are managed by the operating system kernel, ensuring that each process has its own set of descriptors, preventing conflicts between different applications that may be accessing the same files or resources simultaneously.
