MailSlot
Encyclopedia
A MailSlot is a type of interprocess communication that allows communication between processes both locally and over a network
. The use of MailSlots is generally simpler than named pipes or sockets
, but they are more limited.
can create a MailSlot, and a client
can write to it. Only the server can read the mailslot. A server-client interface could consist of two processes communicating locally or across a network. MailSlots do not operate over Wide Area Network
s such as the internet, though. Also, MailSlots offer no confirmation that a message has been received unless it is programmed into an application. MailSlots are generally a good choice when one process must broadcast a message to multiple processes, or if a fast and very easy solution is needed.
that exists in Windows NT
-line of products, including Windows XP
. The Messenger service is essentially a MailSlot server that waits for a message to arrive. When a message arrives it is displayed in a popup onscreen. The
A number of programs also use MailSlots to communicate. Generally these are amateur chat clients and other such programs. Commercial programs usually prefer pipe
s or sockets. Other MailSlots include:
Computer network
A computer network, often simply referred to as a network, is a collection of hardware components and computers interconnected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information....
. The use of MailSlots is generally simpler than named pipes or sockets
Unix domain socket
A Unix domain socket or IPC socket is a data communications endpoint for exchanging data between processes executing within the same host operating system. While similar in functionality to...
, but they are more limited.
Features
MailSlots function as a server-client interface. A serverServer (computing)
In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". Thus, the "server" performs some computational task on behalf of "clients"...
can create a MailSlot, and a client
Client (computing)
A client is an application or system that accesses a service made available by a server. The server is often on another computer system, in which case the client accesses the service by way of a network....
can write to it. Only the server can read the mailslot. A server-client interface could consist of two processes communicating locally or across a network. MailSlots do not operate over Wide Area Network
Wide area network
A wide area network is a telecommunication network that covers a broad area . Business and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations...
s such as the internet, though. Also, MailSlots offer no confirmation that a message has been received unless it is programmed into an application. MailSlots are generally a good choice when one process must broadcast a message to multiple processes, or if a fast and very easy solution is needed.
Implementations
The most widely known implementation of the MailSlot is the Messenger serviceMessenger Service
Messenger Service is a network-based system notification service included in some versions of Microsoft Windows. This service, although it has a similar name, is not related in any way to the .NET Messenger Service or the Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger/Windows Live Messenger instant messaging...
that exists in Windows NT
Windows NT
Windows NT is a family of operating systems produced by Microsoft, the first version of which was released in July 1993. It was a powerful high-level-language-based, processor-independent, multiprocessing, multiuser operating system with features comparable to Unix. It was intended to complement...
-line of products, including Windows XP
Windows XP
Windows XP is an operating system produced by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops and media centers. First released to computer manufacturers on August 24, 2001, it is the second most popular version of Windows, based on installed user base...
. The Messenger service is essentially a MailSlot server that waits for a message to arrive. When a message arrives it is displayed in a popup onscreen. The
NET SEND command is therefore a type of MailSlot client, because it writes to specified mailslots on a network.A number of programs also use MailSlots to communicate. Generally these are amateur chat clients and other such programs. Commercial programs usually prefer pipe
Pipeline (software)
In software engineering, a pipeline consists of a chain of processing elements , arranged so that the output of each element is the input of the next. Usually some amount of buffering is provided between consecutive elements...
s or sockets. Other MailSlots include:
- MAILSLOT\Messngr - Microsoft
NET SENDProtocol - MAILSLOT\Browse - Microsoft BrowserBrowser serviceBrowser service or Computer Browser Service is a feature of Microsoft Windows to let users easily browse and locate shared resources in neighboring computers. This is done by aggregating the information in a single computer 'Browse Master'...
Protocol - MAILSLOT\Alerter
- MAILSLOT\53cb31a0\UnimodemNotifyTSP
- MAILSLOT\HydraLsServer - Microsoft Terminal Services Licensing
- MAILSLOT\CheyenneDS - CACA Inc.CA Technologies , formerly CA, Inc. and Computer Associates, Inc., is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest independent software corporations in the world...
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