Description: The process exit code is a number returned by a process to indicate its termination status. This code is fundamental in programming and system administration, as it allows other processes or the operating system to know whether the execution was successful or if an error occurred. Generally, an exit code of ‘0’ indicates that the process completed without issues, while any other number usually signals a specific type of error. This mechanism is essential for error management and debugging, as it provides information about the outcome of a program’s execution. In various programming languages, handling exit codes is done through interaction with the operating system, allowing developers to implement conditional logic based on these codes. Additionally, the use of exit codes is a common practice in shell scripts and command-line applications, where inter-process communication is crucial for workflow. In summary, the process exit code is a key tool for inter-process communication and error management in software development.