6.5. Shared Memory

Try these first

1. 1.

   What is shared memory?

   Hint

   Think of it as a common area in memory.

2. 2.

   How do you map shared memory in C?

   Hint

   Recall the function name associated with mapping.

3. 3.

   What is shared memory used for?

   • To create copies of data
   • To share data directly between processes
   • To solely allocate memory

   Hint

   Think about why processes should share data rather than copy.

4. 4.

   True or False: Shared memory is a slow method of inter-process communication.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall how shared memory works compared to other methods.

5. 5.

   Design a program using shared memory to allow two processes to communicate. What would your overall structure look like?

   Hint

   Think about how to synchronize the two processes' access.

6. 6.

   Identify potential pitfalls of using shared memory and describe how you would manage them.

   Hint

   Consider tools or methods used to prevent conflicts.