chapter 5: process API

Question 1

the four main calls in Process API

Answer 1

fork, wait, exec, kill

Question 2

how does fork() work?

Answer 2

creates a child process that is almost an exact copy of the parent with a DIFFERENT pid, has its own registers, own PC, the return value however is 0.

Question 3

return value of fork()

Answer 3

0 for child.
< 0 failed.
>0 is parent

Question 4

how does the wait() call work?

Answer 4

parent calls it to wait for child to return. so parent can act after the children returns

Question 5

how does the exec() call work?

Answer 5

run a program that is different from the calling program.

Question 6

how does the kill() call work

Answer 6

send signals to a process, including directives to go to sleep, die and other useful imperatives.