The term "named pipe" is spelled as /neɪmd paɪp/. The word "named" is pronounced as /neɪmd/ with a long "a" sound and the "d" at the end is pronounced as a hard consonant. The word "pipe" is pronounced as /paɪp/, with the "i" sound pronounced as a long vowel followed by a hard "p" sound. Together, these two words create a term used in computer programming to refer to a method of inter-process communication. Correct spelling and pronunciation are important in technical fields to ensure clear communication and understanding.
A named pipe, also commonly referred to as a named FIFO (First In, First Out), is a specialized type of inter-process communication (IPC) mechanism used in Unix-like operating systems. It acts as a virtual communication pathway for exchanging data between two or more processes.
Unlike regular pipes, named pipes have a unique identifier or name established in the filesystem, which allows multiple processes to access the same pipe simultaneously. This identification is made possible by the file system interface, where the named pipe is treated as a file-like object.
Named pipes provide a unidirectional flow of data, meaning that data can only be transmitted in one direction, usually from the writer process to the reader process. The transmission is carried out sequentially, adhering to the FIFO principle, where the data sent first is received first.
Named pipes offer several advantages in inter-process communication, notably allowing communication between unrelated processes and enabling different programming languages to interact with one another. They provide a simple and efficient way for processes to exchange large amounts of data or to synchronize their activities without relying on complex socket-based connections.
In summary, a named pipe is a specialized form of IPC that facilitates the exchange of data between multiple processes by creating a unidirectional, filesystem-based communication pathway, adhering to the FIFO principle.
The term "named pipe" is derived from two parts: "named" and "pipe".
1. Named: The word "named" refers to the fact that the pipe has a unique name or identifier associated with it in the operating system. This allows processes or programs to easily locate and communicate with the specific named pipe they need.
2. Pipe: In computer science, a pipe is a mechanism for inter-process communication (IPC), which allows two or more processes to communicate with each other. It is called a pipe because it represents a flow of data from one process to another, similar to how water flows through a pipe.
So, "named pipe" refers to a specific type of pipe that has a unique name or identifier, enabling processes to establish communication with each other.