close() Entry Point (Character Drivers)

The syntax for close(9E) is as follows:

int xxclose(dev_t dev, int flag, int otyp, cred_t *credp);

close() should perform any cleanup necessary to finish using the minor device, and prepare the device (and driver) to be opened again. For example, the open routine might have been invoked with the exclusive access (FEXCL) flag. A call to close(9E) would allow additional open routines to continue. Other functions that close(9E) might perform are:

• Waiting for I/O to drain from output buffers before returning

• Rewinding a tape (tape device)

• Hanging up the phone line (modem device)

A driver that waits for I/O to drain could wait forever if draining stalls due to external conditions such as flow control. See Threads Unable to Receive Signals for information about how to avoid this problem.