CPU Scheduling Algorithms:
Understanding CPU Scheduling
• What is CPU Scheduling?
o The process of deciding which process to execute next on a single CPU system.
o Goal: Maximize CPU utilization and minimize average waiting time.
Common CPU Scheduling Algorithms
1. First-Come-First-Served (FCFS)
2. Shortest Job First (SJF)
3. Priority Scheduling
4. Round Robin (RR)
5. Shortest Remaining Time First (SRTF)
First-Come-First-Served (FCFS)
o Processes are executed in the order they arrive.
o Simple but can lead to long waiting times for short processes.
o Visual: [Insert a visual of a queue with processes and their arrival/burst times]
o Timing Diagram: [Insert a timing diagram showing process execution and waiting
times]
Shortest Job First (SJF)
o The process with the shortest burst time is executed next.
o Optimal for minimizing average waiting time.
o Visual: [Insert a visual of a queue sorted by burst times]
o Timing Diagram: [Insert a timing diagram showing process execution and waiting
times]
Priority Scheduling
o Each process is assigned a priority, and the highest priority process is executed next.
o Can lead to starvation if low-priority processes never get executed.
o Visual: [Insert a visual of a queue sorted by priorities]
o Timing Diagram: [Insert a timing diagram showing process execution and waiting
times]
Round Robin (RR)
o Each process is given a fixed time quantum. If a process doesn't finish within its
quantum, it is preempted and placed at the end of the queue.
o Provides fair CPU time allocation to all processes.
o Visual: [Insert a visual of a circular queue]
o Timing Diagram: [Insert a timing diagram showing process execution and
preemptions]
Shortest Remaining Time First (SRTF)
o A preemptive version of SJF. The process with the shortest remaining burst time is
executed next.
o Visual: [Insert a visual of a queue sorted by remaining burst times]
o Timing Diagram: [Insert a timing diagram showing process execution and
preemptions]
Comparison of Algorithms
• Average Waiting Time: SJF and SRTF generally have the lowest average waiting time.
• Response Time: RR and SRTF offer better response times for interactive processes.
• Fairness: RR ensures fair CPU time allocation among all processes.
• Overhead: Priority scheduling and preemptive algorithms may have higher overhead due to
context switching.
Choosing the Right Algorithm The best algorithm depends on the specific requirements of the
system, such as:
• Process characteristics: Short or long jobs, interactive or batch processes.
• System goals: Minimizing waiting time, maximizing throughput, or ensuring fairness.
• Overhead considerations: The cost of context switching and scheduling.
Additional Considerations
• Aging: Techniques to prevent starvation of low-priority processes.
• Multiple CPUs: Scheduling algorithms for multiprocessor systems.
• Real-time systems: Scheduling algorithms with guarantees for meeting deadlines.
By understanding these concepts and visualizing the algorithms, you can make informed decisions
about CPU scheduling in your systems.
