x_probe( ) function

["jhoney jhoney" <jhoney_joney@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello All,

what is the use of probe() function. I am working with MPC8540 processor which has  got two gigabit ethenet interface,one FEC and DMA controller and PCI-X interface etc. I looked at the gigbitethernet code which is a motoral TSEC(three speed ethernet controller) and came across the probe function.
static struct ocp_driver gfar_driver = {
     .name = "gianfar",
     .id_table = gfar_ids,

     .probe = gfar_probe,
     .remove = gfar_remove,
};

Here gfar_probe function was implemented . Could any one explain the need of probe function over here.

Thanks in advance,

Regards
Jhoney