Process Table

operating-systems

Definition

Process Table

The process table is a central OS data structure tracking all active processes. Implemented as an array or linked list, each entry points to a PCB. Used to manage process lifecycle from creation to termination.

Management

Creation

OS finds an available slot and initialises a new PCB when a process is created (login, shell command).

Indexing

PID often serves as index for constant-time $O(1)$ access.

Hierarchy

Tracks parent-child relationships between processes.

Cleanup

When a process reaches Exit state, its entry is removed after recording final resource usage.