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Articles by Arnab Chakraborty
Page 6 of 377
Microsoft Interface Definition Language
Microsoft Interface Definition Language (MIDL) is a language used to define interfaces between client and server programs in distributed computing environments. MIDL enables developers to create standardized interface definitions that facilitate communication between different software components, whether they are running on the same machine or across a network. Definition The MIDL compiler is included with the Microsoft Platform Software Development Kit (SDK) and allows developers to create Interface Definition Language (IDL) files and Application Configuration Files (ACF) required for: Remote Procedure Call (RPC) interfaces for distributed computing COM/DCOM interfaces for component-based programming Type libraries for OLE ...
Read MoreFile system consistency checker
A file system consistency checker (FSCK) is a critical utility that examines file systems for errors and attempts to repair them. It scans for inconsistencies like corrupted files, broken directory structures, and damaged metadata. Running FSCK helps prevent data loss and maintains file system integrity, though it should always be performed with proper precautions including data backups. How File System Consistency Checkers Work FSCK operates by performing multiple passes through the file system structure, examining different components in each phase: FSCK Operation Flow Phase 1: ...
Read MoreWhat is the difference between context switching and interrupt handling?
Context switching and interrupt handling are two fundamental mechanisms in operating systems that manage how the CPU processes tasks. While both involve changing the CPU's execution state, they serve different purposes and operate at different levels of the system. Context Switching Context switching is the process of storing the complete state of a currently running process or thread and loading the state of another process to resume its execution. This mechanism enables multitasking by allowing a single CPU to be shared among multiple processes. During a context switch, the operating system saves the current process's state including ...
Read MoreWhat is marshalling in RPC?
Marshalling in RPC (Remote Procedure Call) is the process of converting procedure arguments and return values into a format suitable for network transmission. When a client makes a remote procedure call, the parameters must be packaged (marshalled) into a message, sent across the network, and then unpacked (unmarshalled) on the server side. How RPC Works Remote Procedure Call (RPC) is a client-server mechanism that enables an application on one machine to make a procedure call to code on another machine. The client calls a local procedure—a stub routine—that packs its arguments into a message and sends them across ...
Read MoreAdvanced local procedure call (ALPC)
Advanced Local Procedure Call (ALPC) is a high-performance message-passing mechanism in Windows that enables efficient inter-process communication (IPC) between client and server processes. ALPC replaced the older Local Procedure Call (LPC) mechanism and provides optimized communication channels with multiple message-passing techniques based on data size requirements. How ALPC Works The ALPC mechanism follows a client-server communication model. The server process publishes a globally visible connection-port object that clients can access to request services. When a client needs services from a subsystem, it opens a handle to the server's connection-port and sends a connection request. ...
Read MoreFile System Structure
A file system is a method of organizing and managing files on storage devices such as hard disks or flash drives. It provides a logical structure to physical storage space, allowing users and applications to access and manipulate files efficiently. The file system serves as an interface between the operating system and storage hardware, translating user requests into low-level storage operations. Components of File System A file system consists of several key components that work together to manage data storage − Files − Basic storage units containing data such as text, images, audio, or executable code ...
Read MoreActions taken by a kernel to context-switch between kernel-level threads.
Context Switching involves storing the context or state of a process or thread so that it can be reloaded when required and execution can be resumed from the same point as earlier. This is a feature of a multitasking operating system and allows a single CPU to be shared by multiple processes and threads. When the kernel needs to switch between kernel-level threads, it performs a series of specific actions to ensure proper state preservation and restoration. Unlike user-level thread switching, kernel-level thread context switching requires direct kernel intervention and system-level operations. Actions Taken by Kernel for Context ...
Read MoreProgramming challenges in multicore systems
The trend towards multicore systems continues to place pressure on system designers and application programmers to make better use of multiple computing cores. Designers of operating systems must write programming algorithms that utilize multiple processor cores to enable parallel execution as shown below − Parallel Execution on a Multicore System CPU Package Core 1 Task A Task B ...
Read MoreMultithreaded using the Pthreads API
Pthreads refers to the POSIX standard (IEEE 1003.1c) that defines an API for thread creation and synchronization. This is a specification for thread behavior, not a specific implementation, allowing operating system designers to implement it according to their requirements. The Pthreads API provides a standardized way to create multithreaded programs in C, enabling concurrent execution of multiple threads within a single process. Each thread shares the same memory space but can execute different parts of the program simultaneously. How Pthreads Work In a Pthreads program, separate threads begin execution in specified functions. The main thread starts in ...
Read Moremd5sum Command in Linux with Examples
The md5sum command in Linux generates MD5 hash values (checksums) for files or text input. MD5 (Message Digest Algorithm 5) is a cryptographic hash function that produces a 128-bit hash value, typically represented as a 32-character hexadecimal string. This command is essential for verifying file integrity and detecting changes in data. The MD5 algorithm creates a unique fingerprint for data. Even a single character change results in a completely different hash value, making it useful for detecting file corruption or unauthorized modifications. Basic Syntax md5sum [OPTION] [FILE]... md5sum [OPTION] --check [FILE] Examples Generating ...
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