Word
parent process
Definition
compound. a computer program that starts another program. The new program it creates is called a child process.
compound. the primary execution unit in a computing environment that spawns one or more subprocesses. It manages the lifecycle and resources of its child processes until they terminate.
Examples
“The parent process creates a child process to handle the data.”
“When you run a command in the terminal, the shell acts as the parent process for that command.”
“If the parent process terminates unexpectedly before its children, the operating system must reassign the orphaned processes to a new supervisor.”
Examples
simple
“The parent process creates a child process to handle the data.”
contextual
“When you run a command in the terminal, the shell acts as the parent process for that command.”
complex
“If the parent process terminates unexpectedly before its children, the operating system must reassign the orphaned processes to a new supervisor.”
Usage
used almost exclusively in technical contexts like computer science and operating systems.
Teaching tip
use the family metaphor (parent/child) to explain the hierarchy of software execution and resource inheritance.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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