Inter-process Communication (IPC) in Operating System

Inter-process Communication (IPC) is a system that enables the exchange of data or information between different processes in an operating system. IPC is used when multiple processes are working simultaneously and need to share data or coordinate their actions. This communication can occur between processes running on the same computer or on different machines across a network.

The main purpose of IPC is to ensure data consistency and process synchronization in a multiprocessing environment. This is achieved through various mechanisms like message passing, shared memory, pipes, sockets, etc. Without IPC, it would be difficult for processes to coordinate and use resources correctly in a multiprocessing environment.

1. Pipes: A simple IPC mechanism providing one-way communication. Anonymous pipes are for related processes on the same machine, while named pipes are more flexible.

2. Shared Memory: The fastest IPC method, where a block of memory is shared among processes. It requires synchronization mechanisms like semaphores to maintain data consistency.

3. Message Passing: One process sends a message, and another receives it. It can be synchronous (sender waits for receiver) or asynchronous (sender continues immediately).

4. Sockets: Used for communication between processes on different networks, common in client-server models.

5. Signals: Used to notify a process of an event or condition. Problems in Inter-process Communication: Examples of Inter-process Communication: