Real-Time API (RTAPI) Overview

The RTAPI (real-time application programming interface) set is composed of unique interfaces and Win32-based interfaces. Most RTAPI interfaces are identified by the prefix "Rt". For example, RtCloseHandle.

Unique real-time interfaces

These functions are new, Win32-modeled extensions that provide essential programming capabilities required for real-time applications. There is no equivalent Win32 function for these RTAPI functions. The function begins with the "Rt" prefix and the interface semantics are modeled on the Win32 programming interface semantics.

An example is RtAttachInterruptVector. This function is required for real-time programming, there is no Win32 functional equivalent, and the "Rt" prefix signifies that the function is an RTAPI function.

Win32-based real-time interfaces

These functions are also extensions to the Win32 functions and provide additional real-time programming capability. Unlike the unique real-time functions, there are similar functions in the Win32 environment; however, they behave differently. The differences are required by the real-time semantics. The function name is prefixed with "Rt" and the interface semantics are compatible with Win32 programming interface semantics.

For example, the function RtCreateMutex is required for real-time programming. There is a Win32 functional equivalent, but RtCreateMutex does not behave exactly like the Win32 CreateMutex function. The Rt prefix signifies that the function is an RTAPI function.