Navigating named pipes (Mkfifo())

Named pipes are not limited to live processes, unlike anonymous pipes. They can be used between any processes and persist in the filesystem.

IPC can sometimes be an abstract concept, challenging to grasp for those new to system programming. Let’s use a simple, relatable analogy to make this easier: the “task mailbox” in an office setting.

Imagine you’re in an office where every team member has a specific set of tasks. Communication and task delegation are key to the smooth operation of this office. How do team members efficiently exchange tasks and information? This is where the idea of a “task mailbox” comes into play.

In our analogy, a task mailbox is a special mailbox in the office where team members drop off tasks for others. Once a task is in the mailbox, the designated team member can pick it up, process it, and move on to the next one. This system ensures that tasks are communicated and handled...