An interrupt handler, also known as an interrupt service routine (ISR), is a callback subroutine in microcontroller firmware, operating system or device driver whose execution is triggered by the reception of an interrupt. Interrupt handlers have a multitude of functions, which vary based on the reason the interrupt was generated and the speed at which the interrupt handler completes its task.
An interrupt handler is a low-level counterpart of event handlers. These handlers are initiated by either hardware interrupts or interrupt instructions in software, and are used for servicing hardware devices and transitions between protected modes of operation such as system calls.
Interrupt handlers are the routines that are called when an interrupt is detected. Interrupt handlers are usually short sections of code that are designed to handle the immediate needs of the device and return control to the operating system or user program.
Steps of handling Interrupts:
Ø Disable further interrupts.
Ø Store current state of program.
Ø Execute appropriate interrupt handling routine.
Ø Restore state of program.
Ø Enable interrupts.
Ø Resume program execution.
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