PCPP2 Interprocess Communication Practice Question
Which of the following describes the difference between Process.terminate() and Process.kill()?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Terminate() sends SIGTERM, while kill() sends SIGKILL.
On most POSIX systems, terminate() sends SIGTERM (polite), while kill() sends SIGKILL (immediate).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
There is no difference.
Why it's wrong here
They are different signals.
- ✓
Terminate() sends SIGTERM, while kill() sends SIGKILL.
Why this is correct
SIGTERM allows cleanup, SIGKILL does not.
- ✗
Terminate() is for threads.
Why it's wrong here
It is for processes.
- ✗
Terminate() is more immediate than kill().
Why it's wrong here
Kill is the most immediate.
- ✗
Kill() is only available on Windows.
Why it's wrong here
It is standard POSIX behavior.
About these practice questions
One of 194 original PCPP2 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Python Institute exam blueprint
This PCPP2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Python Institute certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the PCPP2 exam.