In computing, Inter-process communication (IPC) is a set of methods for the exchange of data among multiple threads in one or more processes. Processes may be running on one or more computers connected by a network. IPC methods are divided into methods for message passing, synchronization, shared memory, and remote procedure calls (RPC). The method of IPC used may vary based on the bandwidth and latency of communication between the threads, and the type of data being communicated.
There are several reasons for providing an environment that allows process cooperation:
- Information sharing
- Computational Speedup
- Modularity
- Convenience
- Privilege separation
IPC may also be referred to as inter-thread communication and inter-application communication.
The combination of IPC with the address space concept is the foundation for address space independence/isolation.
Read more about Inter-process Communication: Main IPC Methods, Implementations