Why should I Minimize the use of system call in my code?

Question

I wanted to know is there any reason to minimize use of system call in code and what is the alternate of not using system call ,one would say use API but api in turns use system call

Is it True??

Answer 1

A system call requires that the system switches from User mode to Kernel mode. This makes system calls expensive.

An article to understand this better:

1. Understanding User and Kernel Mode - Jeff Atwood

Answer 2

Because most system calls have an inherent overhead. A system call is a means of tapping into the kernel, a controlled gateway towards obtaining some service.

When performing a system call, some actions are taken (warning, it's a simplification):

• You invoke a library (wrapper) function
• The function puts the arguments where they are expected. Also the function puts the number of the system call in eax
• The function calls a trap (int 0x80 or whatever)
• The processor is switched to kernel mode
• The kernel invokes some system_call routine
• The registers are saved onto the kernel stack
• The arguments are checked to be valid
• The action is performed
• The registers are restored from the kernel stack
• The processor is returned to user mode
• The function (finally...) returns

And I probably forgot some of the steps. Doesn't this sound like a lot of work ? All you wanted is the bold part. The rest is overhead.