sameprocess

Sameprocess is a term used in computing to describe the execution of code, components, or tasks within the same operating system process. It denotes running in the host process’s address space, sharing memory and resources with the application, and avoiding inter-process communication (IPC) boundaries. The concept is commonly discussed in software architecture, plugin design, and runtime configuration where decisions about in-process versus out-of-process execution affect performance, isolation, and deployment.

In practice, sameprocess designs appear in plugin architectures, in-process scripting engines, and lightweight servers where components are loaded and executed inside a single process. This contrasts with out-of-process execution, where components run in separate processes or containers and communicate via IPC, sockets, or remote procedure calls.

Mechanisms and characteristics: sameprocess execution relies on direct function calls or shared objects and may use multithreading or asynchronous tasks within the same process. It enables fast data exchange and easier access to in-memory state but requires careful handling of concurrency and potential side effects from shared resources.

Advantages: reduced latency and overhead, simplified data sharing, faster startup, and easier deployment in environments with limited IPC infrastructure. It can also provide tighter integration and easier instrumentation within a single process.

Disadvantages: reduced fault isolation since a crash or bug in any component can affect the entire process; limited scalability, as scaling generally requires vertical rather than horizontal growth; stricter security boundaries because components share the same address space.

Context and usage: sameprocess is not a formal standard term and its exact meaning can vary by project. It is typically invoked when performance or simplicity favors integrated, in-process execution over partitioned, out-of-process designs. Related concepts include inter-process communication, multi-processing, and in-process versus out-of-process architectures.