Re: [PATCH] Only send pdeath_signal when getppid changes.

Roland McGrath
2007-04-10T17:49:34Z

> Does a parent death signal make most sense between separately written programs?

I don't think it does. It has always seemed an utterly cockamamy feature
to me, and I've never understood what actually motivated it.

> Does a parent death signal make most sense between processes that are part of
> a larger program.

That is the only way I can really see it being used. The only actual
example of use I know is what Albert Cahalan reported. To my mind, the
only semantics that matter for pdeath_signal are what previous uses
expected in the past and still need for compatibility. If we started with
a fresh rationale from the ground up on what the feature is good for, I am
rather skeptical it would pass muster to be added today.

Thanks,
Roland