Ch. 3 - Interprocess Communication

Question 1

True or False: The wait() primitive can be used to convey information between processes

Answer 1

False. wait() does not allow two processes to communicate information between each other. It only allows a process to know when the other process finishes.

Question 2

Files (IPC)

Answer 2

A way of communicating between processes using a shared file.

Question 3

Pipes (IPC)

Answer 3

A way of communicating for 2 processes (1 process writes data through one end and the other process reads data through the other end) without a shared file.

Question 4

How do pipes allow processes to communicate without the need for a shared file?

Answer 4

The output of first process becomes the input of the next process.

Question 5

Signal (IPC)

Answer 5

Used to notify a process of an event. A signal is generated when the event first occurs and delivered when the process takes an action on that signal.

Question 6

kill()

Answer 6

Send the specified signal to a process with the specified PID.

Question 7

How can a process react to a signal() system call?

Answer 7

Ignore the signal (can’t ignore SIGKILL and SIGSTOP)
Catch the signal and call a signal handler when the signal occurs
Let the default action apply

Question 8

Why might a print statement not be printed out to the terminal or specified file?

Answer 8

The print was buffered into a buffer, but the program crashed before the print could be printed.