Fork vs. Vfork: How Memory Sharing Changes Process Safety
The key difference is memory isolation: see how fork() uses copy-on-write, why vfork() suspends the parent, and when each call is safe in practice.
Category: Linux System Programming
SIGUSR1 Default Action: Why Signals Terminate Processes
SIGUSR1 defaults to terminating processes with no core dump. Learn why POSIX chose this behavior, how to install handlers, and debug unexpected signal deaths.
6 Linux IPC Mechanisms: When to Use Each
Pick the right Linux IPC mechanism for your task: pipes for streaming, sockets for client-server, shared memory for throughput, signals for notifications.
How Linux File Descriptors Work: The Three-Layer Model
File descriptors are per-process integers that index into a three-layer table structure. Learn how the kernel connects descriptors to open files and inodes.
Linux Process Life Cycle: States, Signals, and Diagnosis
Linux processes cycle through R, S, D, and T states. Learn to read /proc, use strace, and diagnose stuck tasks without guessing or killing blindly.
Writing a Daemon in C: The Double-Fork Explained
Master daemon creation in C with the double-fork and setsid technique. Verify detachment with ps and strace to ensure your service survives logout.
Linux System Calls Tutorial: A Step-by-Step Guide
Have you ever wondered how a user program actually reaches the kernel to do privileged work? I set the goal for this tutorial: show how a program crosses the CPU boundary, what the kernel does next, and how you can verify behavior with tracing tools. I explain what you will be able to do by […]
Linux Poll() vs Epoll: When to Use Each Syscall
poll() works for small file descriptor sets with POSIX compatibility; switch to epoll at scale. Learn when each syscall fits and common pitfalls to avoid.