an interrupt generated within a processor by executing an instruction
an interrupt that occurs when an INT instruction is executed from within a program
an interrupt that originates in software, usually triggered by a program in user mode
a way to put to another use the rather elaborate facilities that a processor may have for servicing interrupts
An interruption of a program that is initiated by a software instruction. Software interrupts are commonly used to implement breakpoints and operating system entry points. Unlike true interrupts, they occur synchronously with respect to program execution. In other words, software interrupts always occur at the beginning of an instruction execution cycle.