Selective Algorithms for Comparative Study: CPU

Scheduling
Aftab Ahmed Aiman Haseeb Khan Rimsha Jan
Department of Computer Science Department of Computer Science Department of Computer Science
National University of Technology National University of Technology National University of Technology
Islamabad, Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Navishta Irum Zahid Hussain *Dr. Zulfiqar Ali

Department of Computer Science Department of Computer Science Department of Computer Science
National University of Technology National University of Technology National University of Technology
Islamabad, Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan Islamabad, Pakistan
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Abstract—Page replacement is a fundamental problem in oper- II. T RADITIONAL A LGORITHMS

ating systems that significantly influences memory management
efficiency and overall system performance. Traditional algo- A. First Come First Serve (FCFS)
rithms, such as Least Recently Used (LRU) and First-In-First-
Out (FIFO), struggle to effectively adapt to dynamic workloads
First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) scheduling is one of the
and complex access patterns, leading to suboptimal memory most straightforward and intuitive CPU scheduling algorithms
utilization. Recently, Machine Learning (ML) techniques have [4]. It operates on the principle that the process that arrives
emerged as a promising alternative, offering enhanced adaptabil- first gets executed first. This means that processes are executed
ity and predictive accuracy in handling page replacement. This in the order in which they arrive in the ready queue, without
survey delves into the evolution of ML-based page replacement
algorithms, providing a detailed review of existing research, a
any interruptions or preemption [5]. FCFS is considered a non-
comparative analysis of various approaches, and valuable insights preemptive algorithm because once a process starts executing,
into future trends and challenges in this rapidly evolving field. it runs to completion without being preempted, even if a new
We aim to highlight the potential of ML techniques in addressing process arrives with a shorter burst time [6].
the limitations of traditional methods and shaping the future of
memory management in modern computing systems.
B. Shortest Job First (SJF)
Keywords: Page Replacement, Machine Learning, Least
Recently Used (LRU), First-In-First-Out (FIFO), Memory Shortest Job First (SJF) is a CPU scheduling algorithm that
Management, Predictive Accuracy, Algorithm Comparison, selects the process with the shortest execution (burst) time for
Dynamic Workloads execution next [7]. The goal of SJF is to minimize the average
waiting time and turnaround time for processes in the system
I. I NTRODUCTION [8]. It is a non-preemptive scheduling algorithm, meaning that
once a process starts executing, it runs to completion without
CPU scheduling is an essential aspect of operating systems, being interrupted [9].
enabling efficient resource management in multitasking en-
vironments. The processor, being a crucial shared resource, C. Shortest Remaining Time First (SRTF)
necessitates sophisticated algorithms to ensure optimal per-
formance. While traditional methods like First-Come, First- Shortest Remaining Time First (SRTF) is the preemptive
Served (FCFS) and Shortest Job First (SJF) prioritize simplic- version of the Shortest Job First (SJF) scheduling algorithm.
ity, they often falter in dynamic, real-time, or multi-core sys- In SRTF, the process with the shortest remaining burst time is
tems [1]. Advanced algorithms such as Earliest Deadline First executed first, and it can preempt the currently running process
(EDF), Weighted Round Robin (WRR), and Gang Scheduling if a new process with a shorter remaining burst time arrives
address these challenges [2]. [10], [11].
This study evaluates both conventional and advanced
scheduling algorithms by simulating a set of processes with D. Round Robin (RR)
diverse attributes. Metrics such as CPU waiting time, response Round Robin (RR) is a preemptive CPU scheduling al-
time, and turnaround time are analyzed to assist developers gorithm designed primarily for time-sharing systems, where
and system administrators in selecting effective strategies for multiple processes need to be executed fairly and in a time-
various workloads [3]. efficient manner. It is particularly useful in environments
where interactive or real-time tasks must be given equal op- starts executing, it runs to completion. While it may be
portunity to execute, avoiding any single process monopolizing effective in certain batch processing environments, LJF is less
the CPU [12]–[14]. suited for time-sensitive or interactive systems where fairness
The RR algorithm operates by allocating a fixed time and responsiveness are crucial [21]–[23].
quantum to each process in the ready queue. When a process’s
quantum expires, it is preempted and placed back in the queue C. Gang Scheduling
if it has not completed execution. This ensures fairness while Gang Scheduling is a CPU scheduling technique used in
maintaining responsiveness for all processes. parallel computing environments, where it coordinates the
execution of multiple parallel processes or threads that belong
E. Priority Scheduling to the same parallel job. In gang scheduling, all threads of
Priority Scheduling is a CPU scheduling algorithm that a job are scheduled to run simultaneously, or in ”gangs,”
assigns a priority to each process, and the process with ensuring that they make synchronized progress. This technique
the highest priority (or lowest priority number, depending is particularly useful for multi-threaded applications, as it
on the system) is executed first. The main goal of priority minimizes the time spent waiting for other threads to execute,
scheduling is to ensure that important processes are executed thereby improving overall job performance [24].
first, based on their priority levels. The algorithm can be By aligning the execution of related threads, gang schedul-
either preemptive or non-preemptive, depending on how the ing reduces the overhead of context switching and resource
scheduling is managed when new processes arrive or if a contention. However, it may lead to inefficient CPU utilization
process with a higher priority arrives while another is running if there are not enough processors to allocate to all threads of
[15]–[17]. a gang. The performance evaluation of gang scheduling in
In a preemptive system, a running process can be interrupted multi-core systems has highlighted these issues [25].
if a new process with a higher priority arrives. In contrast, While gang scheduling is effective for tightly coupled
non-preemptive systems complete the current process before parallel tasks, it can struggle in systems with heterogeneous
scheduling a new one. While priority scheduling effectively workloads or varying resource demands. In particular, the
ensures responsiveness for critical tasks, it can lead to starva- challenges of applying gang scheduling in heterogeneous
tion for lower-priority processes unless mechanisms like aging environments have been explored in recent studies [26], [27].
are employed.
D. Multilevel Queue Scheduling (MLQ)
III. A DVANCED A LGORITHMS
Multilevel Queue (MLQ) scheduling divides processes into
A. Earliest Deadline First (EDF) multiple priority queues, each associated with different char-
Earliest Deadline First (EDF) is a dynamic scheduling acteristics, such as the type of process (e.g., interactive, batch,
algorithm used in real-time systems, where tasks are prioritized real-time), priority, or resource requirements. Each queue has
based on their deadlines. The task with the earliest deadline is its own scheduling algorithm, and processes are assigned to
given the highest priority and is executed first. EDF is preemp- a specific queue based on their properties. Higher-priority
tive, meaning if a new task with an earlier deadline arrives, queues are given more immediate CPU access, while lower-
it can preempt the currently running task. This scheduling priority queues may experience longer wait times.
approach is optimal for single-processor systems, ensuring that Typically, MLQ uses preemptive scheduling for higher-
all tasks meet their deadlines if the system’s CPU utilization priority queues. In contrast, lower-priority queues may employ
is at or below 100%. non-preemptive scheduling. Depending on the implementation,
However, EDF may suffer from preemption overhead and the system may either strictly enforce queue priorities or allow
starvation of lower-priority tasks, and it requires careful man- processes to migrate between queues. However, despite its
agement of system resources to avoid missing deadlines when effectiveness in managing diverse workloads, MLQ can lead
the CPU utilization exceeds the system’s capacity [18]–[20]. to starvation of processes in lower-priority queues if higher-
priority processes dominate the CPU [28].
B. Longest Job First (LJF) The performance of MLQ scheduling, particularly in real-
Longest Job First (LJF) is a CPU scheduling algorithm that time systems, has been evaluated in various studies [29].
selects the task with the longest execution time (or burst time) Additionally, dynamic approaches to MLQ scheduling, which
for execution first. It is the opposite of Shortest Job First (SJF), adapt priorities to improve efficiency, have also been explored
which prioritizes tasks with the shortest burst time. LJF is [30].
typically used in non-real-time systems, where the objective
is to optimize CPU utilization by executing longer tasks first, E. Multilevel Feedback Queue Scheduling (MLFQ)
potentially minimizing the overall waiting time for subsequent Multilevel Feedback Queue (MLFQ) enhances the Multi-
tasks. level Queue (MLQ) scheduling algorithm by allowing pro-
However, LJF can lead to starvation of shorter tasks, as cesses to move between queues based on their execution
they may be delayed indefinitely if long tasks keep arriving. behavior. Initially, processes are assigned to a queue based
Additionally, LJF is non-preemptive, meaning once a task on predefined characteristics such as priority or process type.
However, as processes execute, their priority can change 3) Round Robin
dynamically depending on their behavior. 4) Priority Scheduling (preemptive and non-preemptive)
The MLFQ algorithm monitors the CPU burst times of each
process and adjusts their position in the queue accordingly. For B. Advanced Algorithms
example, processes that use less CPU time, such as interactive 1) Earliest Deadline First (EDF)
processes, may be promoted to higher-priority queues. In con- 2) Longest Job First (LJF)
trast, CPU-bound processes, which consume more CPU time, 3) Gang Scheduling
are typically moved to lower-priority queues. This adaptability 4) Multilevel Queue Scheduling (MLQ)
helps balance responsiveness for interactive tasks and fairness 5) Multilevel Feedback Queue Scheduling (MLFQ)
for long-running tasks, addressing issues like starvation [31]. 6) Weighted Round Robin (WRR)
MLFQ improves upon the MLQ algorithm by dynamically
adjusting to the changing needs of processes, making it more VI. P ERFORMANCE M ETRICS
suitable for a wider variety of workloads in modern computing A. Average Waiting Time
environments [32]. Performance evaluations have shown that In CPU scheduling, the average time a process spends
MLFQ scheduling provides a better balance between system waiting in the ready queue before execution is referred to
efficiency and fairness in comparison to traditional scheduling as the ”average waiting time”. This metric is crucial for
algorithms [33]. evaluating the performance of various scheduling algorithms.
F. Weighted Round Robin (WRR) The ”waiting time” for a process is the amount of time
it spends in the ready queue before being executed. It is
Weighted Round Robin (WRR) is an enhancement of the
calculated as:
traditional Round Robin (RR) scheduling algorithm. In WRR,
processes are assigned weights that determine the proportion
of CPU time they should receive in comparison to other Wi = Tstart − Tarrival − Tburst
processes. A process with a higher weight gets more CPU Where:
time in each round, effectively allowing differentiated service
• Tstart is the time when the process starts execution,
among processes [34].
• Tarrival is the time when the process arrives in the ready
The weight of a process influences the time quantum
queue,
allocated to it. Specifically, a process with a larger weight
• Tburst is the burst time (the total time required for execu-
may receive a larger time slice, while processes with smaller
tion).
weights are allocated shorter time slices. This mechanism
ensures that processes with varying resource requirements The ”average waiting time” is then calculated as the mean
or priorities receive appropriate CPU time [35]. WRR is of the waiting times for all processes:
particularly useful in scenarios where processes have different Pn
Wi
levels of importance, allowing for fairer allocation of CPU Average Waiting Time = i=1
time based on specific needs, while still preserving the cyclic n
nature of Round Robin scheduling [36]. Where:
However, WRR introduces additional complexity in manag- • Wi is the waiting time for process i,
ing and tuning the weights. Achieving optimal system perfor- • n is the total number of processes.
mance can be challenging as it requires fine-tuning the weights This metric helps in evaluating the efficiency of scheduling
to balance responsiveness and resource allocation effectively. algorithms such as First-Come, First-Served (FCFS), Shortest
IV. M ETHODOLOGY Job First (SJF), and Round Robin (RR), as it impacts the
overall system performance by reducing delays in process
A. Number of Processes execution [37], [38].
For comparison, a simulation was conducted with 10 pro-
cesses, each specified with arrival times, burst times, priorities, B. Average Turnaround Time
and deadlines. The simulation was carried out using Jupyter The ”average turnaround time” is a key performance metric
Notebook, with Python as the programming language for the in CPU scheduling. It is calculated by dividing the total time
algorithm implementation, and MS Excel for organizing the taken by all processes, from arrival to completion, by the
data and performing analysis. This approach allowed for the number of processes. Mathematically, the turnaround time for
evaluation and comparison of various scheduling algorithms a process i is given by:
under different conditions and process characteristics. [3].
i i i
V. A LGORITHMS FOR C OMPARISON Tturnaround = Tcompletion − Tarrival
A. Traditional Algorithms Where:
i
1) FCFS • Tcompletion is the time at which process i finishes execu-
2) SJF (preemptive and non-preemptive) tion,
 i
• Tarrival is the time at which process i arrives in the ready of how each algorithm impacts system efficiency and process
queue. management.
The ”average turnaround time” is then the mean of the
A. Traditional Algorithms
turnaround times of all processes:
Pn FCFS exhibited the highest waiting and turnaround times
Ti due to its non-preemptive nature, causing processes to wait
Average Turnaround Time = i=1 turnaround
n longer, especially in scenarios with longer burst times. SJF
Where: and SRTF effectively minimized waiting times, with SRTF
i
• Tturnaround is the turnaround time for process i,
dynamically adjusting to the shortest remaining burst times,
• n is the total number of processes.
offering better responsiveness by preempting processes as
needed. RR ensured fairness by allocating equal time slices
This metric reflects the average amount of time each process
to processes but incurred overhead from frequent context
spends in the system, including both waiting and execution
switching, which reduced overall system efficiency. Priority
times. The ”average turnaround time” provides insight into the
Scheduling showed variable performance, with its preemptive
overall efficiency of the scheduling algorithm and how well it
mode delivering better results by allowing higher-priority tasks
manages process execution relative to their arrival times and
to execute promptly, though it could lead to starvation for
burst durations [39], [40].
lower-priority processes [1].
C. Average Response Time
B. Advanced Algorithms
The ”average waiting time” is a key metric in CPU schedul-
EDF excelled in real-time scenarios, minimizing waiting
ing that measures the average time a process spends waiting
and response times by prioritizing tasks with the nearest
in the ready queue before its first execution on the CPU.
deadlines, making it highly effective for time-sensitive appli-
Mathematically, the waiting time for a process i is given by:
cations [2]. Gang Scheduling provided a balanced approach
i i for parallel processes, ensuring synchronized execution, while
Wi = Tstart − Tarrival
MLFQ dynamically adjusted priorities based on process be-
Where: havior, offering flexibility in managing diverse workloads.
i
• Tstart is the time when process i starts execution on the LJF prioritized longer tasks, achieving moderate performance,
CPU, but could lead to starvation for shorter tasks. MLQ resulted
i
• Tarrival is the time when process i arrives in the ready in higher waiting times due to rigid queue allocations, as
queue. processes were strictly assigned to predefined queues [27].
The ”average waiting time” is calculated by taking the mean The results underscore the trade-off between simplicity and
of the waiting times for all processes: adaptability, with EDF and MLFQ standing out for real-
Pn time and dynamic workloads, respectively, offering superior
Wi performance in their respective domains [3].
Average Waiting Time = i=1
n
No. of Process Arrival Time Burst Time Priority
Where: P1 0 7 4
• Wi is the waiting time for process i, P2 1 2 5
P3 2 2 5
• n is the total number of processes.
P4 3 4 3
This metric reflects the amount of time a process spends P5 4 10 3
waiting before it starts its execution, excluding any time P6 5 5 5
P7 6 8 3
spent executing. The ”average waiting time” helps evaluate P8 7 5 1
the responsiveness of the scheduling algorithm, indicating how P9 8 1 4
efficiently the queue is managed and how well the CPU time P10 9 3 4
TABLE I
is allocated to processes [37], [41]. P ROCESS S CHEDULING DATA BASED
VII. R ESULT AND A NALYSIS
The analysis highlights the trade-offs among different
scheduling algorithms by evaluating key metrics such as VIII. A LGORITHMIC I NSIGHTS FOR O PTIMAL CPU
average waiting time, turnaround time, and response time. S CHEDULING
Each algorithm exhibits distinct strengths and weaknesses, EDF emerges as the optimal algorithm for real-time systems
with some prioritizing fairness and responsiveness while others due to its deadline prioritization [2]. MLFQ offers flexibility
focus on minimizing process completion times. These metrics for dynamic workloads, despite higher computational over-
offer valuable insights into the performance of each algorithm, head. For predictable workloads, SJF and SRTF are effective
helping to identify the most suitable approach for varying in minimizing waiting and turnaround times [1]. The choice
system requirements and workloads. By examining these of algorithm should align with specific system requirements
trade-offs, the study provides a comprehensive comparison and workload characteristics [3].
Fig. 1. Graphical Comparison of All Algorithms

Fig. 4. Average Response Time

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