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 UnixSystem 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)
