exec
from
Jargon File (4.4.4, 14 Aug 2003)
exec
/eg.zek'/, /eks'ek/, n.
1. [Unix: from execute] Synonym for {chain}, derives from the exec(2)
call.
2. [from executive] obs. The command interpreter for an {OS} (see
{shell}); term esp. used around mainframes, and prob.: derived from
UNIVAC's archaic EXEC 2 and EXEC 8 operating systems.
3. At IBM and VM/CMS shops, the equivalent of a shell command file
(among VM/CMS users).
The mainstream `exec' as an abbreviation for (human) executive is not
used. To a hacker, an `exec' is always a program, never a person.
from
The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)
exec
/eg-zek'/ <operating system> 1. execute.
A synonym for {chain} derived from the {Unix} "exec" {system
call}.
{Unix manual page}: execve(2).
2. (Obsolete) {executive}.
The mainstream "exec" as an abbreviation for (human) executive
is *not* used. To a hacker, an "exec" is a always a program,
never a person.
3. At {IBM} and {VM}/{CMS} shops, the equivalent of a {shell}
command file.
4. <operating system> The innermost {kernel} of the {Amiga}
{operating system} which provides shared-library support,
device interface, {memory management}, {CPU} management, basic
{IPC}, and the basic structures for OS extension. The rest of
the Amiga OS (windowing, file system, third-party extensions,
etc.) is built using these structures.
[{Jargon File}]
(1997-08-01)
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