PROCESS LINUX
1. System Calls in Linux
Linux functions are often implemented as system calls, which allow user-space programs to
interact with the kernel. Some of the most commonly used system calls include:
open(): Opens a file descriptor.
read(): Reads data from a file.
write(): Writes data to a file.
close(): Closes a file descriptor.
fork(): Creates a new child process.
exec(): Replaces the current process with a new process.
wait(): Waits for a child process to terminate.
exit(): Terminates a process.
kill(): Sends a signal to a process.
getpid(): Retrieves the process ID.
getppid(): Retrieves the parent process ID.
These functions provide fundamental control over system behavior and resource management.
2. File Management Functions
Linux follows a hierarchical file structure, and managing files efficiently is crucial. Some
essential file-handling functions include:
open(): Opens a file with specific modes such as read (O_RDONLY), write
(O_WRONLY), or both (O_RDWR).
close(): Closes an open file descriptor.
read(): Reads bytes from a file into a buffer.
write(): Writes data from a buffer to a file.
lseek(): Repositions the file offset within an open file.
stat(): Retrieves information about a file.
rename(): Changes the name of a file.
unlink(): Deletes a file.
3. Process Management Functions
Linux is a multitasking OS that allows multiple processes to run simultaneously. Key process
management functions include:
fork(): Creates a new child process, which is a duplicate of the parent.
exec(): Executes a new program, replacing the current process image.
wait(): Suspends execution until a child process terminates.
exit(): Terminates a process and returns a status.
kill(): Sends signals to control process execution.
getpid() and getppid(): Retrieve process and parent process IDs.
These functions enable Linux to efficiently handle multiple processes, ensuring optimal resource
allocation.
4. Memory Management Functions
Efficient memory allocation and deallocation are crucial for system performance. Key functions
include:
malloc(): Allocates memory dynamically.
calloc(): Allocates and initializes memory.
realloc(): Adjusts the allocated memory size.
free(): Releases dynamically allocated memory.
mmap(): Maps files or devices into memory.
These functions are essential for managing system memory efficiently and preventing memory
leaks.
5. Network Programming Functions
Linux provides powerful networking capabilities with functions for communication between
processes and devices. Important functions include:
socket(): Creates a socket for network communication.
bind(): Binds a socket to an address and port.
listen(): Marks a socket as a passive listener.
accept(): Accepts incoming client connections.
connect(): Establishes a connection to a remote socket.
send() and recv(): Transmit and receive data over a network.
close(): Closes a socket.
These functions facilitate communication over networks, enabling services such as web servers
and remote access.
6. User Management and Permissions Functions
Linux follows a multi-user architecture, ensuring secure access control through user and
permission management functions:
getuid(): Retrieves the user ID.
geteuid(): Retrieves the effective user ID.
setuid(): Sets the user ID.
chmod(): Changes file permissions.
chown(): Changes file ownership.
umask(): Sets default permissions for new files.
7. Inter-Process Communication (IPC) Functions
Linux supports IPC mechanisms like message queues, shared memory, and semaphores for
communication between processes:
msgget(): Creates or accesses a message queue.
msgsnd() and msgrcv(): Send and receive messages.
shmget(): Creates shared memory.
shmat() and shmdt(): Attach and detach shared memory.
semget(): Creates or accesses a semaphore.
semop(): Performs semaphore operations.
These functions are vital for coordinating processes efficiently.
8. Thread Management Functions
Linux provides a robust thread management system via POSIX threads (pthreads):
pthread_create(): Creates a new thread.
pthread_join(): Waits for a thread to terminate.
pthread_exit(): Terminates a thread.
pthread_mutex_lock() and pthread_mutex_unlock(): Synchronize access to shared
resources.
Threading functions enhance parallel processing capabilities, improving system efficiency.
9. Signal Handling Functions
Signals are used to notify processes of events:
signal(): Registers a signal handler.
kill(): Sends a signal to a process.
raise(): Sends a signal to the current process.
alarm(): Schedules a signal after a specified time.
pause(): Waits for a signal.
Signal handling functions ensure smooth process control and exception handling.
10. Device Management Functions
Linux interacts with hardware devices using device files and drivers:
ioctl(): Performs device-specific operations.
open(), read(), and write(): Access device files.
mknod(): Creates special files for devices.
These functions are essential for interacting with peripherals like hard drives and network
interfaces.
Conclusion
Linux functions form the backbone of the operating system, enabling efficient system control,
process management, file handling, networking, and security. Understanding these functions
allows users and developers to optimize system performance and build robust applications.
Mastery of Linux functions is crucial for administrators, programmers, and security professionals
to harness the full power of this versatile OS.
