Final answer:
In computer science, IO (Input/Output) refers to the communication between a computer and the outside world. IO is not seen as a continuous stream due to the different stages and operations involved, as well as potential delays. It is divided into discrete chunks or units for proper handling and synchronization.
Step-by-step explanation:
In computer science, IO (Input/Output) refers to the communication between a computer and the outside world. It encompasses any transfer of data to or from a storage medium, network, or peripheral device. IO operations involve reading data from a source or writing data to a destination.
IO is not seen as a continuous stream because it involves various processes and steps. For example, when reading a file, the computer needs to locate the file, read its contents, and process the data. These actions require different stages and operations, making IO a multi-step process rather than a continuous stream.
Furthermore, IO operations can be blocked or take different amounts of time. For instance, waiting for user input or transferring data over a network may introduce delays, disrupting the continuity of the stream. Therefore, IO is divided into discrete chunks or units to ensure proper handling and synchronization.