Inter-process communication
Inter-process communication (IPC) is the exchange of data between one
process and another, either within the same computer or over a network. It implies a protocol that guarantees a response to a request. Examples are
Unix sockets,
RISC OS's messages,
OS/2's
named pipes,
Microsoft Windows' DDE,
Novell's SPX,
Apple Macintosh's IAC and different forms of software componentry (
CORBA,
component object model ...).
Although IPC is performed automatically by programs, an analogous function can be performed interactively when users cut and paste data from one process to another using a clipboard.
This article was originally based on material from FOLDOC, used with permission. Update as needed.