Exploration of process interaction in operating systems: a pipe-fork simulator

Abstract This paper examines the use of a simulator to explore process interaction in Unix. The simulator allows instructors to trace through a variety of programs and to show how the processes and pipes are connected. Students can create C language programs and see how changes in their code or changes in process scheduling affect the configuration of the processes and pipes as well as the output of the program. Students can also see the consequences of not protecting critical sections in an executing program. The simulator is flexible enough to allow the creation of process fans, chains and trees as well as unidirectional and bidirectional rings. The program is written in Java and can be run as a standalone application or as an applet from a browser.

• Type: Journal
• Year: 2002
• Where: SIGCSE
• Authors: Steven Robbins
• Keywords: Education, Language Programs, Process Interaction, SIGCSE 2002, Simulator