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Lab CondVariable

This document discusses the use of condition variables in pthreads to implement multi-threaded programs, explaining how to initialize and use functions like pthread_cond_wait(), pthread_cond_signal(), and providing an example program that uses a condition variable and mutex to signal when a child thread has exited. Condition variables allow threads to wait atomically on a condition being met before entering a critical section guarded by a mutex, and are initialized with pthread_cond_init() or PTHREAD_COND_INITIALIZER.

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30 views

Lab CondVariable

This document discusses the use of condition variables in pthreads to implement multi-threaded programs, explaining how to initialize and use functions like pthread_cond_wait(), pthread_cond_signal(), and providing an example program that uses a condition variable and mutex to signal when a child thread has exited. Condition variables allow threads to wait atomically on a condition being met before entering a critical section guarded by a mutex, and are initialized with pthread_cond_init() or PTHREAD_COND_INITIALIZER.

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杨喆
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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CSCI 3150: Introduction to Operating System

Lab 08. condition variables

Yu Chengye

[email protected]
Lab eight

 In this lab, you will learn how to use condition variables in pthread library to
implement wakeup-enabled multi-threading programs. In particular, we will use
the following functions:
 pthread_create

 pthread_exit

 pthread_mutex_lock

 pthread_mutex_unlock

 pthread_cond_init()

 pthread_cond_wait()

 pthread_cond_signal()
Condition Variable

 All conds must be properly initialized.


 One way: using PTHREAD_COND_INITIALIZER

pthread_cond_t cond = PTHREAD_COND_INITIALIZER;

 The dynamic way: using pthread_cond_init()

int rc = pthread_cond_init(&cond, NULL);


assert(rc == 0); // always check success!
Condition Variable

 Provide conditional access to a critical section


 Interface
int
pthread_cond_wait(pthread_cond_t *cv, pthread_mutex_t *mutex);
int pthread_cond_signal(pthread_cond_t *cv);

 Usage (main thread)


pthread_mutex_lock(&m);
if (x < 8) // or whatever else conditions are
pthread_cond_wait(&c, &m);
pthread_mutex_unlock(&m);

 Usage (child thread)


pthread_mutex_lock(&m);
x = x + 1; // or whatever your critical section is
pthread_cond_signal(&c);
pthread_mutex_unlock(&m);
Example

int done = 0;

void thr_exit() {
pthread_mutex_lock(&m);
done = 1;
pthread_cond_signal(&c);
pthread_mutex_unlock(&m);
}

void thr_join() {
pthread_mutex_lock(&m);
while (done == 0) // prevent spurious wakeup
pthread_cond_wait(&c, &m);
pthread_mutex_unlock(&m);
}
Example

void* child (void* arg) {


printf("child\n");
thr_exit();
return NULL;
}

int main(int argc, char* argv[]) {


printf("parent: begin\n");
pthread_t p;
pthread_create(&p, NULL, child, NULL);

thr_join();
printf("parent: end\n");
return 0;
}
Q1: pthread_cond_wait(&c, &m)

 Why a mutex (m) will be passed into this function?

 Let’s see what has been done inside:

pthread_cond_wait(pthread_cond_t* C, pthread_mutex_t* M)
{
put this thread into wakeup queue of condtion var C.
pthread_mutex_unlock(M);
sleep();
pthread_mutex_lock(M);
take this thread out of wakeup queue of condition var C.
}
Q2: while (done == 0)

 Why we do not use if (done == 0) ?

 Spurious wakeup !

 According to POSIX description, pthread_cond_signal() may wakeup multiple


threads in multi-core system.

 Only target thread can be waken, others need to sleep again.

 Use while (done == 0) to prevent spurious wakeup.


Extra readings

 Please refer to Chapter 30: condition variables.

 Any questions?

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