CENG 334 – Homework 1: Merge Operator

Introduction to Operating Systems · Spring 2025–2026

Overview

You will implement a merge operator controller (the merger) that orchestrates three operators—sort, filter, and unique—on CSV data. The merger reads a specification from standard input, spawns operator processes in pipelines, and merges their outputs. You will use Unix system calls for process creation, execution, pipes, and I/O redirection.

Where to get everything

All homework materials, sample data, and platform-specific executables are on the course website:

https://user.ceng.metu.edu.tr/~cakpak/ceng334/

From there you can download:

• Materials – Homework writeup (PDF) and sample CSV/spec/expected files for testing.
• Source – Parser sources and starter code (you implement the merger).
• Pre-built executables – Operators (sort, filter, unique) and grader for macOS, Linux, or WSL. The merger is not provided; you build it yourself.

Deliverable

Submit a hw1.tar.gz containing your source code and a Makefile that produces an executable named merger. Grading is lab-exam based.

Due date

March 23, 2026, Monday, 23:59.

← Back to Homework 1