Overview
`mkfifo` creates a named pipe, a special file in the file system. This pipe serves as a communication channel allowing two or more independent processes to send and receive data. When one process writes data to the pipe, another process can read from it, with data being processed in a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) manner.
Key Features
- Exists in the file system and is accessible via a path.
- Provides a communication channel between independent processes.
- Data is processed in a First-In, First-Out (FIFO) manner.
- Useful for constructing complex pipelines in shell scripts.
Key Options
The `mkfifo` command primarily takes a file path as an argument and supports a few basic options.
Creation Options
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Usage Examples
Demonstrates how to create a named pipe using `mkfifo` and use it for inter-process communication.
Create a Basic Named Pipe
mkfifo my_pipeCreates a pipe named `my_pipe` in the current directory.
Create a Pipe with Specific Permissions
mkfifo -m 600 my_private_pipeCreates `my_private_pipe` where only the owner can read and write.
Data Transfer Using a Named Pipe
mkfifo data_channel
echo "Hello from Terminal 1!" > data_channel &
cat < data_channelAn example of writing data in one terminal and reading it in another. **Terminal 1:** `mkfifo data_channel` `echo "Hello from Terminal 1!" > data_channel` **Terminal 2:** `cat < data_channel`
Using Pipes with Background Processes
mkfifo background_output
(ls -l; sleep 2; echo "Done listing") > background_output &
cat < background_outputRedirects the output of a background process to another command via a pipe.
Tips & Notes
Points to consider and useful tips when using named pipes.
Deleting Pipes
Named pipes can be deleted using the `rm` command, just like regular files. It's good practice to clean up unnecessary pipes after use.
- `rm my_pipe`
Blocking Behavior
Named pipes typically operate in a blocking mode. This means that an attempt to write (or read) on one end will wait until a read (or write) operation is initiated on the other end. To avoid this behavior, you can run operations in the background (e.g., `cat < my_pipe &`) or open the pipe in non-blocking mode using the `O_NONBLOCK` flag.
Using Temporary File Systems
For temporary pipes, it's recommended to use the `/tmp` directory or the `mktemp` command to create pipes with unique names. This helps prevent name collisions and ensures that pipes can be automatically cleaned up upon system reboot.