from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
STREAMS
<operating system> A collection of {system calls}, {kernel}
resources, and kernel utility routines that can create, use,
and dismantle a {stream}. A "stream head" provides the
interface between the stream and the user processes. Its
principal function is to process STREAMS-related user system
calls. A "stream module" processes data that travel bewteen
the stream head and driver. The "stream end" provides the
services of an external input/output device or an internal
software driver. The internal software driver is commonly
called a {pseudo-device} driver.
The STREAMS concept has been formalised in {Unix} {System V}.
For example, {SVR4} implements {sockets} and {pipes} using
STREAMS, resulting in pipe(2) openning bidirectional pipes.
[IBM AIX 3.2 Communication Programming Concepts, SC23-2206-03].
(1999-06-29)