What is the primary purpose of a device driver?

The primary purpose of a device driver is to control hardware under the supervision of the operating system. Device drivers act as intermediaries between the operating system and hardware devices, allowing the operating system to communicate with and manage hardware resources effectively. Each hardware component, such as printers, graphics cards, or network adapters, requires a specific driver that translates the system's generic commands into actions that the hardware can understand. By doing so, the driver ensures that the operating system can utilize the hardware resources efficiently, enabling devices to perform their intended functions without direct interaction from the user. This is a critical aspect of system functionality, as it allows for seamless integration and operation of hardware components within the broader computing environment.