Linux shared memory: shmget() vs mmap()?

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Both methods are viable. mmap method is a little bit more restrictive then shmget, but easier to use. shmget is the old System V shared memory model and has the widest support. mmap/shm_open is the new POSIX way to do shared memory and is easier to use. If your OS permits the use of POSIX shared memory then I would suggest going with that.

Some hints:

  • If you create your children via fork then mmap with MAP_ANONYMOUS | MAP_SHARED is by far the easiest way – just one call. MAP_ANONYMOUS is however a Linux extension not specified by POSIX.
  • If you start the processes independently, but can supply them with a shared memory name then shm_open (+ ftruncate) + mmap with MAP_SHARED is two/three calls. Requires librt on some OSes.
  • If your OS has /dev/shm/ then shm_open is equivalent to opening a file in /dev/shm/.

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