English Reference
Compound

child process

compound.
C1 Advanced

compound.a computer program that is started by another program. You use this term when one main task creates smaller tasks to help it finish its work.

compound.a subprocess generated by a parent process within a multitasking operating system. It inherits certain attributes from the parent and typically operates under its control or monitoring.


SIMPLE

The main program starts a child process to handle the data.

CONTEXTUAL

When the web browser crashes, it is often because a specific child process failed while loading a heavy website.

COMPLEX

The operating system must efficiently manage the termination of each child process to prevent the accumulation of zombie processes that consume system resources.

Usage

primarily used in computing and software development contexts; usually functions as a countable noun.

Teaching tip

use the parent-child metaphor to explain the hierarchy of execution and resource inheritance in operating systems.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Updated