SRFI 79: Primitive I/O

by Michael Sperber

status: withdrawn (2006-11-16)

keywords: I/O

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Abstract

This SRFI defines a simple, primitive I/O subsystem for Scheme that is intended to function as the lowest layer of a more comprehensive suite of I/O layers. It provides unbuffered I/O, and is close to what a typical operating system offers. Thus, its interface is suitable for implementing high-throughput and zero-copy I/O.

The Primitive I/O layer also allows clients to implement custom data sources and sinks via a simple interface.

Moreover, this SRFI defines a condition hierarchy specifying common I/O-related exceptional situations.

The Primitive I/O layer only handles blocking-I/O. Non-blocking and selective I/O is left for another SRFI.

This I/O layer was designed in conjunction with two other layers that can be built on top of it: SRFI 80 (Stream I/O) and SRFI 81 (Port I/O).