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Process Synchronization Question Bank

The document is a question bank on process synchronization and multiprogramming operating systems, covering definitions, benefits, and key concepts such as critical sections, race conditions, and semaphores. It includes explanations of classical IPC problems like the producer-consumer and dining philosopher problems. Additionally, it differentiates between multitasking and multiuser OS, and discusses synchronization techniques and their implications.

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tushar
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40 views4 pages

Process Synchronization Question Bank

The document is a question bank on process synchronization and multiprogramming operating systems, covering definitions, benefits, and key concepts such as critical sections, race conditions, and semaphores. It includes explanations of classical IPC problems like the producer-consumer and dining philosopher problems. Additionally, it differentiates between multitasking and multiuser OS, and discusses synchronization techniques and their implications.

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
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Process Synchronization - Question Bank with Answers

1. Multiprogramming

Q: What is a multiprogramming OS?

A: Definition: An OS that allows multiple programs to run concurrently by managing CPU time among them.

Key Points:

- Uses CPU efficiently.

- Runs another process when one waits for I/O.

- Reduces CPU idle time.

Q: What are the benefits of multiprogramming?

A: - Increases CPU utilization.

- Improves system throughput.

- Reduces wait time for short jobs.

Q: Differentiate multitasking and multiuser OS.

A: Multitasking: Runs multiple tasks for one user.

Multiuser: Supports multiple users accessing the same CPU from terminals.

Q: Name the components of a multiprogramming OS.

A: - File System

- I/O Control System

- Command Processor

- Transient Area

Q: Give examples of multiprogramming OS.

A: - Windows

- UNIX

- MP/M

- XENIX

- DESQview

2. Process Synchronization

Q: What is process synchronization?

A: Definition: Ensuring multiple processes access shared resources safely.


Process Synchronization - Question Bank with Answers

Key Points:

- Prevents race conditions.

- Avoids inconsistent data.

- Ensures system stability.

Q: Why is synchronization required in multiprocessing?

A: - Prevents data corruption.

- Avoids deadlocks.

- Ensures fairness among processes.

Q: What are race conditions?

A: When multiple processes access and modify shared data concurrently, leading to unexpected outcomes.

Q: Explain inconsistency and deadlock.

A: - Inconsistency: Data mismatch due to unsynchronized access.

- Deadlock: Processes wait indefinitely for each other.

Q: Differentiate cooperative and independent processes.

A: Cooperative: Share resources and affect each other.

Independent: Execute without affecting other processes.

3. Critical Section Problem

Q: Define critical section.

A: A part of the code where shared resources are accessed. Only one process should execute it at a time.

Q: What are the three conditions of critical section solution?

A: - Mutual Exclusion

- Progress

- Bounded Waiting

Q: Explain mutual exclusion with example.

A: If Process P1 is in the critical section, P2 should wait. This prevents simultaneous access.

Q: What is bounded waiting?

A: A process should not wait forever to enter its critical section. There must be a limit.
Process Synchronization - Question Bank with Answers

Q: Why must solutions be hardware-independent?

A: To ensure portability and consistency across 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

4. Synchronization Techniques (Lock/Test-and-Set/Strict Alternation)

Q: How does a lock variable work?

A: It uses a binary value (0 or 1) to control access. 0 means free, 1 means occupied.

Q: Explain test-and-set instruction.

A: A hardware-supported atomic instruction. It checks and sets lock simultaneously to avoid race conditions.

Q: What is strict alternation?

A: Uses a 'turn' variable to alternate access between two processes. Ensures one at a time access.

Q: Drawback of using lock variable?

A: It may not provide bounded waiting. One process may repeatedly enter CS.

Q: Which technique ensures atomicity?

A: Test-and-Set ensures atomic execution using hardware-level support.

5. Classical IPC Problems

Q: Explain producer-consumer problem.

A: Producer adds items to buffer, consumer removes. Need synchronization to avoid overflow/underflow.

Q: What are key issues in producer-consumer problem?

A: - Buffer overflow

- Buffer underflow

- Inconsistent access without mutex

Q: What is reader-writer problem?

A: Multiple readers can read simultaneously, but writers need exclusive access.

Q: When does dining philosopher problem occur?

A: When all philosophers pick one chopstick and wait forever (deadlock).

Q: Why is dining philosopher a classic problem?

A: It shows real-world synchronization and deadlock challenges.


Process Synchronization - Question Bank with Answers

6. Semaphores

Q: What is a semaphore?

A: A variable used to control access to resources using wait() and signal() operations.

Q: Differentiate binary and counting semaphores.

A: - Binary: Only 0 or 1 (like lock).

- Counting: Multiple values, for multiple resource instances.

Q: How does wait() and signal() work?

A: - wait(): Decreases semaphore.

- signal(): Increases semaphore.

Q: How are semaphores used in producer-consumer?

A: Track available and full slots using two semaphores: empty and full, and a mutex for access.

Q: Advantages of semaphores?

A: - Prevents race conditions

- Ensures mutual exclusion

- Flexible for multiple problems

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