What happens in the Top half and Bottom Half processing of Interrupts?

Question

I would like to know more about Top half and Bottom Half processing in the Context on Interrupts. Could someone explain me the exact things happening in both scenarios.

Solution

Chapter 6 of "Linux Kernel Development" by Robert Love explains it, as do these free web resources:

• Linux Kernel Module Development Guide
• linuxdriver.co.il
• Linux Device Drivers

Basically, the top half's job is to run, store any state needed, arrange for the bottom half to be called, then return as quickly as possible. The bottom half does most of the work.