Help with C program(gcc) in Linux

Question

Hi... I have a project for my college but unfortunately, I struggle in programming, apart from simple C programs. Anyway, the way I see it, I think the code I need should be around 20-30 lines, so if somebody can provide me some help I'll be really grateful. Here is the project:

• A parent process will produce 10 random integer numbers (rand).

• Then the parent process will produce (fork) 2 child processes.

• The child processes will print their PID (getpid) and will sort (qsort, as ) the integer numbers, one in ascending order and the other in descending order.

• The sorted tables will be printed to stdout with the use of write.

• The parent process will standby (waitpid) until the child processes finish their execution.

Answer 1

You've basically described what you need to do, which is important. What I would do next is write it out in pseudocode so you can visually see what you need to do. Something like:

Array of int data = generateData
Create child(data)
Create child(data)
 Wait for children

Then specify it more detailed:

int[] data = generateData();
int pid = fork();
if (isChild(pid))
    DoChildStuff(data);
else
    int nextpid = fork();
    if (isChild(pid))
        DoOtherChildStuff(data);
    else
        DoParentStuff()

I've intentionally left the important parts undefined (isChild isn't a real call etc.) So that you can learn what the homework wants you to, but this should get you on the right path if you have your lecture notes.