Chapter 21. Infrastructure: The Mailslot and Named Pipe Abstractions

Nothing lasts longer than a provisional arrangement.

Unknown (thanks to Olaf Barthel)

We touched on the Mailslots and Named Pipes back in Section 16.4.1 on page 321, and then we pulled our collective hand away really fast as if those subjects were much too hot to handle. We will need to be brave and give them another go, though, because the Browse Service relies on them. Sorry 'bout that, folks.

Mailslots and Named Pipes are like the wiring and plumbing in an old house. ^[1] It probably all made sense when it was installed, but over the years new construction has built upon the old. Some parts have been reused, some replaced , and other bits and pieces recycled in ways that make it seem as though no one remembers their original purpose. As long as it looks good on the surface (and isn't a fire hazard ), it's okay.

^[1] "Old" is a relative term . In Minnesota, a 100-year-old house is considered old. In cities like Charleston, SC, the houses go back 300 years or so... and that's nothing compared to what they've got in places like Japan, Europe, the Middle East, etc.

And it really is okay. The old stuff has held up remarkably well. So well, in fact, that it is sometimes forgotten which is exactly why we need to take a closer look at it.

The goal here is to provide a basic understanding of the Named Pipe and Mailslot concepts. We won't be going in too deep. If you want, you can find more detail in the X/Open book IPC Mechanisms for SMB . Named Pipes and Mailslots are nifty constructs, and are worthy of further study when you have the time.