Difference between Device Driver and Device Controller in Operating System

In the world of software, device controllers and drivers are two commonly used software. Anyone with programming knowledge will be familiar with the words "device driver" and "device controller". A device driver is an operating system-specific and hardware-dependent program, and it offers to interrupt handling, which is required for the asynchronous time-dependent hardware interface. On the other hand, a device controller is a circuit board that interfaces between the device and the OS.

In this article, you will learn about the difference between a Device Driver and a Device Controller in the operating system. But before discussing the differences, you must know about the Device Driver and Device Controller in the operating system.

What is a Device Driver?

It is a software program that is utilized in computers to execute and operate systems that communicate with a component of a device. It is a code that is assigned to operating system users to enable the empowering of certain commands connected with a device.

It assists in the control and management of computer-connected devices. It is accomplished by providing the required number of functions for managing various portions of the device via programs generated by various types of software. Each new device comes with a built-in device driver.

These device drivers are essentially low-level programming software. It enables the computer system to perform functions for communication via many types of hardware devices. It is accomplished without needing to be concerned with the specifics of how hardware works. It aids in offering sufficient knowledge for carrying out these jobs.

What is a Device Controller?

It is a hardware program mainly utilized to connect a computer's operating system and functions in the phase by connecting the device driver. It is an electronic component that handles the link between incoming and outgoing signals in a processor by using chips.

It serves as a link between a device and any program that can receive commands from the operating system. These functions include buttons like reading, writing, etc. Every button and controller of various types of controllers differs from one another, with differences based on how they are utilized.

The device controller gets data from a connected system device and temporarily saves such data in a special purpose register inside the controller known as a local buffer. There is a device driver for every device controller. The memory is linked with the memory controller. The monitor is linked with the video controller, and the keyword is linked with the keyboard controller. The disk drive and USB drive are each attached to their respective disk controllers. These controllers are linked to the processor through the common bus.

Key differences between Device Driver and Device Controller in Operating System

Here, you will learn about the various key differences between Device Driver and Device Controller in operating systems. Some main differences between Device Driver and Device Controller in operating systems are as follows:

1. A device driver is a software method that is mainly utilized in computers to execute and operate systems that interact with a component of a device. On the other hand, a device controller is a hardware method that is mainly utilized to connect a computer's OS and functions in the phase by connecting the device driver.
2. The two types of device drivers are user and kernel device drivers. In contrast, the SCSI is a serial portal that is sufficient for the operation of a device controller.
3. A device driver is a type of software programming that assists in connecting with various types of operating systems. In contrast, a device controller is a type of hardware programming that acts as a bridge between OS in a computer system.
4. A device driver aids in interacting with the OS of various computer systems. In contrast, a device controller aids in understanding the links between the running and incoming signals from a computer's OS.
5. A device driver is a wider concept. In contrast, a device controller is a smaller concept.

Head-to-head comparison between the Device Driver and Device Controller in Operating System

The operating system has various head-to-head comparisons between the Device Driver and Device Controller in the Operating Systems. Some comparisons between Device Driver and Device Controller in Operating Systems are as follows:

Conclusion

If you want to buy any system device, it always comes with a device controller and driver. It is essential to have both these software and hardware programs in a device that allows a computer device to run as smoothly as feasible.

These programs are utilized for various tasks, including serving as a bridge between a device and a computer's OS. Every type of device driver and controller differs from one another depending on their purposes, how well they work, and the environment in which you use them.