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SIGCHLD Semantics in Unix System Programming

The document discusses the SIGCHLD signal in Unix system programming, which is sent to a parent process when a child process changes state. It outlines methods for handling this signal, including ignoring it, synchronous and asynchronous handling, and emphasizes the importance of reaping zombie processes using `wait()` or `waitpid()` to prevent resource exhaustion. Best practices include promptly reaping zombie processes, using `waitpid()` for specific children, and avoiding signal neglect to maintain system stability.

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Sudharma Suvarna
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122 views8 pages

SIGCHLD Semantics in Unix System Programming

The document discusses the SIGCHLD signal in Unix system programming, which is sent to a parent process when a child process changes state. It outlines methods for handling this signal, including ignoring it, synchronous and asynchronous handling, and emphasizes the importance of reaping zombie processes using `wait()` or `waitpid()` to prevent resource exhaustion. Best practices include promptly reaping zombie processes, using `waitpid()` for specific children, and avoiding signal neglect to maintain system stability.

Uploaded by

Sudharma Suvarna
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SIGCHLD Semantics in

Unix System
Programming
A deep dive into the SIGCHLD signal and its implications for Unix system
programming.

SS by Sudharma S
Understanding the SIGCHLD Signal
Signal Definition Signal Handling
SIGCHLD is a signal sent to a parent process when one of its The parent process can handle this signal using the `signal()`
child processes changes state, either terminating or stopping. or `sigaction()` system calls.
Handling Child Process
Termination

1 Ignoring the Signal 2 Synchronous


The parent process can Handling
simply ignore the signal and The parent process can
continue executing. handle the signal
synchronously by executing
a signal handler.

3 Asynchronous Handling
The parent process can handle the signal asynchronously using a
signal handler, but this approach requires careful design and
implementation.
Zombie Processes and
Their Implications
Zombie Process State Resource
A zombie process is a Consumption
terminated child process Zombie processes consume
whose resources have not been system resources and can
released by the parent process. eventually lead to resource
exhaustion.

Process Information
Zombie processes retain information about the child process, such as
its exit status, which can be valuable for debugging.
The wait() and waitpid() System Calls

wait() waitpid()
The `wait()` system call waits for any child process to The `waitpid()` system call is similar to `wait()`, but it allows the
terminate and returns information about the terminated child. parent process to specify a particular child process to wait
for.
Reaping Zombie Processes

1 Parent Process Responsibility


It is the parent process's responsibility to "reap" its zombie
children.

2 Reaping Using wait() or waitpid()


The `wait()` or `waitpid()` system calls can be used to reap
zombie processes, releasing their resources and removing
them from the process table.
Asynchronous Signal
Handling in SIGCHLD
Signal Handler
1 A signal handler is called when the parent process receives
the SIGCHLD signal.

Process State Updates


2 The signal handler can update the process state and handle
the termination of the child process.

System Calls
3 The signal handler can use system calls like `waitpid()` to
reap zombie processes and release their resources.
Best Practices and Recommendations
Always Reap
Reap zombie processes as soon as possible to avoid resource depletion and
1
system instability.

Use waitpid()
2 Utilize `waitpid()` to reap specific child processes, especially when
handling multiple child processes.

Avoid Ignoring
3 Avoid ignoring the SIGCHLD signal, as it can lead to zombie
processes and potential issues.

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