ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE - 109 (0x6D)

Technical Meaning

The ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE error code indicates that a pipe has been ended. This typically occurs when one end of the pipe is closed, and data is still being written to it from the other end.

Error Details

This error code is commonly encountered in scenarios involving inter-process communication (IPC) through named or anonymous pipes. The pipe mechanism is designed to allow processes to communicate with each other by sending and receiving data over a virtual connection.

Usage Context

The ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE can be returned by various Windows API functions, such as WriteFile, ReadFile, and others that operate on pipes. It signifies that the communication channel has been terminated unexpectedly or that one of the processes involved in the pipe communication has closed its end.

Developer Interpretation

When this error is encountered, it suggests that the application should handle the situation gracefully by closing any open handles to the pipe and releasing associated resources. The application may also need to check for other errors related to the state of the pipe or the processes involved in the communication.

Related Errors

• ERROR_PIPE_CONNECTED (53)
• ERROR_NO_DATA (232)
• ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE (109)
• ERROR_HANDLE_EOF (235)

FAQ

Q: What does the ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE error mean?

A: It indicates that a pipe has been ended, typically due to one end of the pipe being closed.

Q: How can I handle this error in my application?

A: Close any open handles to the pipe and release associated resources. Check for other related errors and ensure proper handling of the communication state.

Summary

The ERROR_BROKEN_PIPE is a specific error code indicating that a pipe has been ended, which can occur when one end of the pipe is closed while data is still being written to it. Developers should handle this error by closing resources and ensuring graceful termination of processes involved in the communication.