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Last update: 10 April,2001

                                                                1003.1-90 #47
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	Interpretation Number:	(to be assigned by the IEEE)
	Topic:			CHILD_MAX system limit
	Relevant Sections:	2.8.4
	Classification:		No change required


Interpretation Request: (Defect Report)
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Can a conforming POSIX.1 implementation have a system-wide limit on the total
number of processes that is equal to {CHILD_MAX}?

Note: If the system-wide limit is the same as {CHILD_MAX}, then when more than
one user is logged-in, or if system processes are counted against the
system-wide limit, no user will be able to obtain {CHILD_MAX} processes.

A closely related question was addressed in an interpretation request submitted
on 18 October 1991 by Chuck Karish. The interpretation in response to that
request, dated June 29, 1992, states:

	IEEE Std. 1003.1-1990 defines {CHILD_MAX} as a limit which shall be
	enforced by the implementation. It does not require the implementation
	to guarantee the resources needed to reach that limit. Thus a given
	system's limit may be less than, equal to, or greater than {CHILD_MAX},
	and may vary on processes' consumption of resources.

An issue has arisen concerning the meaning of that interpretation, giving rise
to the current interpretation request.

IEEE Interpretation for 1003.1-1990 (9945-1:1990):
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See interpretation #65.

Rationale for Interpretation:
-----------------------------
None.


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