Virtual Forks-vfork(2)

The standard vfork(2) function is unsafe in multithreaded programs. vfork(2) is like fork1(2) in that only the calling thread is copied in the child process. As in nonthreaded implementations, vfork() does not copy the address space for the child process.

Be careful that the thread in the child process does not change memory before it calls exec(2). Remember that vfork() gives the parent address space to the child. The parent gets its address space back after the child calls exec() or exits. It is important that the child not change the state of the parent.

For example, it is dangerous to create new threads between the call to vfork() and the call to exec(). This is an issue only if the fork-one model is used, and only if the child does more than just call exec(). Most libraries are not fork safe, so use pthread_atfork() to implement fork safety.