Which system call is used to create a new process in Linux?

Which system call is used to create a new process in Linux?

• A. Wait()
• B. Fork()
• C. Exit()
• D. Getpid()

Answer: (B)

Creating a new process in Linux uses the fork system call. It duplicates the calling process, producing a child process that starts as a copy of the parent, and both continue from the next instruction. The fork return value lets you distinguish the two: the parent gets the child’s PID, while the child gets zero, so you can branch logic accordingly (often followed by an exec in the child to run a new program). Other options don’t create new processes: wait() pauses until a child changes state, exit() ends the current process, and getpid() returns the current process’s ID.

Creating a new process in Linux uses the fork system call. It duplicates the calling process, producing a child process that starts as a copy of the parent, and both continue from the next instruction. The fork return value lets you distinguish the two: the parent gets the child’s PID, while the child gets zero, so you can branch logic accordingly (often followed by an exec in the child to run a new program). Other options don’t create new processes: wait() pauses until a child changes state, exit() ends the current process, and getpid() returns the current process’s ID.