Scribd
Upload
45 views3 pages

Process Synchronization Notes

The document provides an overview of process synchronization and multiprogramming, detailing their definitions, types, and importance in computer systems. It discusses critical section problems, synchronization methods like lock variables and semaphores, and classical inter-process communication problems such as Producer-Consumer and Dining Philosophers. Sample questions are included for each topic to facilitate understanding and review.

Uploaded by

tushar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
45 views3 pages

Process Synchronization Notes

The document provides an overview of process synchronization and multiprogramming, detailing their definitions, types, and importance in computer systems. It discusses critical section problems, synchronization methods like lock variables and semaphores, and classical inter-process communication problems such as Producer-Consumer and Dining Philosophers. Sample questions are included for each topic to facilitate understanding and review.

Uploaded by

tushar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Process Synchronization - Simplified Notes

1. Multiprogramming

- Allows multiple programs to run on a single CPU by switching between them.

- Improves CPU utilization by executing another job when one is waiting for I/O.

- Has types like multitasking (runs many tasks) and multiuser (multiple users share CPU).

Sample Questions:

- What is multiprogramming?

- Differentiate between multitasking and multiuser OS.

- Why is CPU never idle in multiprogramming?

2. Process Synchronization

- Ensures that multiple processes can work together without interfering.

- Helps avoid issues like data inconsistency and deadlocks.

- Used in systems where resources are shared among processes.

Sample Questions:

- Why do we need process synchronization?

- What problems arise without proper synchronization?

- Define cooperative and independent processes.

3. Critical Section Problem

- Critical section is a code part where shared resources are accessed.

- Only one process should execute in the critical section at a time.

- Three requirements: Mutual Exclusion, Progress, and Bounded Waiting.

Sample Questions:

- What is a critical section?

- List the three conditions to solve the critical section problem.

- Explain mutual exclusion with an example.


Process Synchronization - Simplified Notes

4. Lock Variable & Test-and-Set

- Lock variable uses 0/1 to show if a resource is in use (simple but not fair).

- Test-and-Set is atomic and avoids race conditions (requires hardware support).

- Both can lead to process starvation.

Sample Questions:

- How does a lock variable work in synchronization?

- What makes Test-and-Set atomic?

- Why is bounded waiting not guaranteed in these methods?

5. Strict Alternation

- Allows only two processes to take turns in critical section.

- Uses a 'turn' variable to indicate which process can enter.

- Fails in ensuring progress if the other process is not interested.

Sample Questions:

- What is strict alternation and its drawback?

- How does the turn variable work?

- Why is strict alternation not scalable?

6. Classical IPC Problems

- Producer-Consumer: One produces data, the other consumes from shared buffer.

- Reader-Writer: Multiple readers can access data, writers need exclusive access.

- Dining Philosophers: All need two shared chopsticks to eat, can cause deadlocks.

Sample Questions:

- Explain the producer-consumer problem.

- Why is synchronization needed in reader-writer?

- What deadlock issue can arise in dining philosophers?


Process Synchronization - Simplified Notes

7. Semaphores

- Used to manage access to shared resources using wait() and signal().

- Binary semaphores (0/1) work like locks; counting semaphores allow multiple accesses.

- Used in solving classic problems like Producer-Consumer and Dining Philosophers.

Sample Questions:

- What is a semaphore and how does it work?

- Difference between binary and counting semaphore.

- Write a simple code using semaphore for critical section.

You might also like