Inter-Process Communication (IPC) refers to the methods that different processes use to communicate and share data with each other in a computer system. Processes are like separate programs running simultaneously, and they need to exchange information to work together effectively. IPC can be achieved through various techniques, such as message passing, shared memory, and sockets, allowing processes to coordinate their actions and share resources.
Using IPC is essential in multi-tasking environments, where multiple processes need to collaborate. For example, a web browser might use IPC to communicate with a web server to fetch data while simultaneously rendering a web page. This coordination ensures smooth operation and enhances overall system performance.