packaged function:A function that exists in an object file as a COMDAT record. Packaged functions allow function-level linking. Functions that are not packaged can be linked only at the object level.
parameter:A data item expected by a routine or information expected in the command line for a utility. Also called a formal parameter. See also “argument.”
parent process:A process that creates another process, called the child process.
.PAS:The extension for a Pascal source file.
path:A specification of the location of a file or a directory. A path consists of one or more directory names and may include a drive (or device) specification. For example, C:\PROJECT\PROJLIBS is the path to a subdirectory called PROJLIBS in a directory called PROJECT that is located on the C drive. Sometimes “path” refers to multiple path specifications, each separated by a semicolon (;). In certain circumstances, a path specification must include a trailing backslash; for example, specify C:\PROJECT\PROJLIBS\ to tell LINK the location of the PROJLIBS directory containing additional libraries.
.PCH:The extension for a precompiled C header (or include) file.
physical segment:A segment listed in the executable file's segment table. Each physical segment has a distinct segment address, whereas logical segments may share a segment address. A physical segment usually contains one logical segment, but it can contain more.
PID (process identification number):A unique code that the operating system assigns to a process when the process is created. The PID may be any value except 0.
pointer:A variable containing an address or offset.
pop-up menu:A menu that appears when you click the menu title with the mouse or press the ALT key and the first letter of the menu at the same time.
port:The electrical connection through which the computer sends and receives data to and from devices or other computers.
precedence:The relative position of an operator in the hierarchy that determines the order in which expressions are evaluated.
privileged mode:A special execution mode (also known as ring 0) supported by the 80286–80486 hardware. Code executing in this mode can execute restricted instructions that are used to manipulate system structures and tables. Device drivers run in this mode.
procedure:A routine that does not return a value.
procedure call:A call to a routine that performs a specific action.
process:Generally, any executing program or code unit. This term implies that the program or unit is one of a group of processes executing independently.
processor:See “CPU (central processing unit).”
program step:To trace the next source line in Source mode or the next instruction in Mixed mode or Assembly mode. If the source line or instruction contains a function, procedure, or interrupt call, the call is executed to the end and the CodeView debugger is ready to execute the instruction after the call. See also “trace.”
protected mode:The operating mode of the 80286–80486 processors that allows the operating system to protect one application from another.
protected mode (in Windows):Either of two modes in Windows 3.0: standard mode or 386 enhanced mode. See also “standard mode” and “386 enhanced mode.”