libcdio

libcdio is a free software library that provides an interface to CD-ROM drives. It allows applications to read CD-ROMs, including data CDs, audio CDs, and CD-ROMs formatted with various file systems like ISO 9660. The library handles low-level CD-ROM device access, abstracting the complexities of different hardware and operating system interfaces.

Key features of libcdio include support for reading CD-ROM sectors, extracting audio tracks, and parsing CD-ROM file systems. It is designed to be portable and works across various Unix-like operating systems, including Linux and macOS. libcdio is often used as a backend for other CD-related utilities and applications, such as command-line tools for copying or ripping CDs.

The library provides functions for opening and closing CD-ROM devices, seeking to specific positions on the disc, and reading data. It also includes mechanisms for handling CD-ROM extensions like Joliet and Rock Ridge, which allow for longer filenames and more complex directory structures. libcdio is part of the GNU Project and is available under the GNU Lesser General Public License. Its modular design enables developers to incorporate CD-ROM functionality into their own software without needing to write low-level device drivers.