When a process is terminated by the Linux kernel due to exceeding resource limits or violating system policies, it is known as an "oomkilled exit code." The term "oom" stands for "out of memory," indicating that the process was killed because it consumed more memory than the system could allocate. The oomkilled exit code is a signal that the system is under strain and needs to free up resources to prevent a complete system crash.

This can happen when a process consumes excessive memory, causing other critical system processes to be starved of resources. When a process is oomkilled, it receives an exit code that indicates the reason for its termination.

This code can provide valuable information to system administrators and developers, helping them identify the root cause of the issue and take appropriate action to prevent it from happening again. Understanding the oomkilled exit code is essential for maintaining system stability and performance.

By monitoring resource usage, setting appropriate limits, and optimizing memory management, administrators can minimize the risk of processes being terminated unexpectedly due to resource constraints. In conclusion, the oomkilled exit code is a critical indicator of system health and performance.

By interpreting and responding to this code effectively, system administrators can ensure the smooth operation of their systems and prevent potential disruptions caused by resource exhaustion.