SyStem> A UnixSyStem call uSed by a proceSS (the "parent") to make a copy (the "child") of itSelf. The child proceSS iS identical to the parent except it haS a different proceSS identifier and a zero return value from the fork call. It iS aSSumed to have uSed no reSourceS. A fork followed by an exec can be uSed to Start a different proceSS but thiS can be inefficient and Some later Unix variantS provide vfork aS an alternative mechaniSm for thiS. See alSo fork bomb. (1996-12-08)
