MAILSLOT Meaning and
Definition
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A mailslot is a term used to describe a communication mechanism in computing that allows for asynchronous message passing between different processes or applications. It is a concept commonly employed in network programming or inter-process communication (IPC) systems.
Specifically, a mailslot refers to a named, virtual mailbox or message queue that is utilized for sending and receiving messages across different nodes or processes within a network. It is often used in client-server architectures or distributed systems, where processes may be located on various machines.
In this context, a mailslot acts as a simple data structure or buffer where messages can be deposited by a sender process and retrieved by the intended recipient process, without requiring them to be running simultaneously or be aware of each other's existence. It facilitates the decoupling of sender and receiver processes, allowing for a more resilient and flexible system design.
The mailslot can be thought of as a focal point for message exchanges, with the sender writing messages to it and the receiver periodically checking to see if any new messages are waiting. It provides a reliable and efficient means of inter-process communication, enabling processes to transfer data or communicate with each other while maintaining loose coupling and facilitating scalability in distributed environments.
Overall, a mailslot is an important construct in enabling communication and message passing between different processes or applications within a network or distributed system, enhancing their ability to interact and exchange information asynchronously.
Common Misspellings for MAILSLOT
- nailslot
- kailslot
- jailslot
- mzilslot
- msilslot
- mwilslot
- mqilslot
- maulslot
- majlslot
- maklslot
- maolslot
- ma9lslot
- ma8lslot
- maikslot
- maipslot
- maioslot
- mailalot
- mailzlot
- mailxlot
- maildlot
Etymology of MAILSLOT
The word "mailslot" is a compound word formed by combining "mail" and "slot".
The etymology of "mail" can be traced back to the Old French word "male", which originally meant a traveling bag or a trunk. The word "mail" evolved over time to refer to letters and other pieces of written communication that were carried by post or courier. The term originated from the Medieval Latin word "breviarium", meaning a summary or abstract, which then transformed into "breviary" in Old French. Eventually, "mail" became associated with the postal system itself.
The word "slot" comes from the Middle Dutch word "slote", meaning a narrow opening or slit. It later entered into Middle English as "slot", which also referred to a narrow aperture or gap.
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