Advanced Process Management in Linux Programming Chapter 4Overview

Main Function and Command Line Arguments

The main function in a C program is the starting point. Command line arguments allow passing data when the process is initiated. The syntax int main(int argc, char *argv[]) is commonly used to handle these arguments.

Process Start and Termination

A process begins execution through fork() or exec() system calls. Processes are terminated using the exit() function, signaling the end of the process lifecycle.

Environment Table and Variables

Every process has access to environment variables, which are stored in an environment table. These variables can be accessed and modified using getenv() and setenv() functions.

Memory Layout and Allocation

Processes have specific memory layouts, typically divided into sections like the stack, heap, data, and text sections. Memory can be dynamically allocated using malloc() or calloc() and must be freed with free().

setjmp() and longjmp() Functions

These functions are used for non-local jumps in C programming. setjmp() saves the current environment, while longjmp() allows the program to return to the saved environment, useful for error handling.