Which system call creates a shared memory segment in Unix-like operating systems? (A) shmdt() (B) shmget() (C) pipe() (D) shmctl() (E) shmsnd()

Answering the Question

In Unix-like operating systems, shared memory segments are created using specific system calls. Among the options provided:

1. shmdt() - This system call is used to detach a shared memory segment from a process’s address space.
2. shmget() - This system call is used to create a shared memory segment or to access an existing one.
3. pipe() - This creates a pipe for inter-process communication, not specifically for shared memory.
4. shmctl() - This is used for controlling shared memory segments, such as to change their status or to remove them.
5. shmsnd() - This is not a standard system call related to shared memory in Unix-like systems.

Final Answer

The correct answer is (B) shmget() as it specifically initiates or accesses a shared memory segment.