Interprocess Communications in Linux®: The Nooks & Crannies

Chapter 1. Programs and Processes

Introduction

Fundamental to all operating systems is the concept of a process. A process is a dynamic entity scheduled and controlled by the operating system. While somewhat abstract, a process consists of an executing (running) program, its current values, state information, and the resources used by the operating system to manage the process. In a UNIX-based operating system, such as Linux, at any given point in time, multiple processes appear to be executing concurrently. From the viewpoint of each of the processes involved, it appears they have access to and control of all system resources as if they were in ...