This document discusses inter-process communication (IPC) in Linux, which is crucial for enabling efficient data sharing and resource management among processes in a client-server setup. It outlines various IPC methods including pipes, FIFOs, message queues, shared memory, semaphores, and signals, highlighting their specific uses and benefits for process synchronization and communication. The project emphasizes the integration of these techniques to improve system performance and collaboration between processes.

1. System Programming IPC
A Linux System Programming IPC (Inter-Process Communication) is essential for enabling
processes to share data and resources efficiently. In a client-server setup, multiple processes often
need to exchange information or synchronize their activities to function correctly. IPC provides
mechanisms to achieve this communication seamlessly, whether within the same system or across a
network, especially at the transport layer using sockets.
This project demonstrates the practical implementation of IPC in Linux, utilizing various techniques
like Pipes, FIFOs, Message Queues, Shared Memory, Semaphores, and Signals. These methods
cater to different needs based on the complexity and nature of communication required between
processes.
Pipes and FIFOs provide a straightforward way to exchange data between processes. While pipes
work for related processes, FIFOs, also known as named pipes, allow communication between
unrelated processes.
Message Queues enable processes to send and receive structured messages. They provide greater
flexibility and allow multiple clients to communicate with a server.

2. Shared Memory offers the fastest communication by creating a common memory segment
accessible to multiple processes. It minimizes the overhead of copying data between processes.
Semaphores play a vital role in synchronization, ensuring that multiple processes do not access
shared resources simultaneously, avoiding conflicts and race conditions.
Signals are used for process notifications and simple communication, allowing processes to respond
to asynchronous events like interrupts.
Sockets extend IPC capabilities across networks, enabling communication between processes
running on different machines.
This project emphasizes the seamless integration of these IPC methods in a robust system
programming environment. With a focus on simplicity and efficiency, the techniques discussed here
allow processes to collaborate effectively, enhancing system performance and ensuring smooth
operation in multi-process environments.
Linux System Programming, Inter-Process Communication (IPC), Client-Server Setup, Pipes
and FIFOs, Message Queues, Shared Memory, Semaphores, Signals, Sockets, Process
Synchronization.