@@ -1,4 +1,53 @@
 #ifndef KIio
 #define KIio
+/* <k/io.h>
+ * ~ lexi hale <lexi@hale.su>
+ * this header declares IO primitive functions and
+ * structures. it is the same for all platforms.
+ * platform-specific code is found in the *.platform.h
+ * files.
+ */
+
+#include <k/type.h>
+
+typedef enum kiostream_kind {
+	kiostream_closed,
+	  // this kiostream cannot be written to
+	kiostream_file,
+	  // this kiostream represents a file
+	kiostream_sock,
+	  // this kiostream is attached to a socket,
+	  // UNIX, IP, or otherwise
+	kiostream_term,
+	  // this socket is being used to communicate
+	  // directly with a human being
+	kiostream_ansi,
+	  // like kiostream_term, but can also understand
+	  // ANSI control codes
+	kiostream_other
+	  // no fuckin idea
+} kiostream_kind;
+
+typedef struct kiostream {
+	kiostream_kind kind;
+	#include "kiostream.platform.h"
+} kiostream;
+
+typedef struct kiochan {
+	kiostream in;
+	  // text can be read from this stream
+	kiostream out;
+	  // text can be written to this stream
+} kiochan;
+
+unsigned long long kiosend(kiochan); // send data to a channel
+unsigned long long kiorecv(kiochan); // receive data from a channel
+
+typedef enum kiocond {
+	kiocond_ok,
+	  // success
+    kiocond_fail,
+	  // action failed
+} kiocond;
 
 #endif