Concurrent Processes - Chapter 6

A system where readers can access a shared resource simultaneously, while writers have exclusive access to avoid data corruption.

A concurrency control mechanism used to synchronize access to a shared resource, typically in operating systems, to prevent race conditions.

A type of multiprocessing system that allows multiple processors to execute instructions concurrently, increasing efficiency.

A programming paradigm where instructions are executed in parallel by different processors, making programs run faster.

A level of parallelism where data is divided into chunks and processed concurrently by multiple processors.

A level of parallelism where different instructions of a program are executed concurrently by multiple processors.

A type of multiprocessing configuration where a single master processor manages and assigns work to various slave processors.

A multiprocessing system with a single control processor that manages all other slave processors.

A master processor is responsible for managing the system, scheduling work, and handling storage operations while slave processors perform assigned tasks.

A master/slave configuration allows slave processors direct access to main memory but mandates that I/O requests are routed through the master processor.

The simplicity of the design where a master controls everything makes for easy implementation and troubleshooting.

The entire system fails if the master processor fails as it is the central point of control.

Slave processors might remain idle waiting for the master processor to assign tasks, resulting in inefficient resource utilization.

A configuration where all processors have equal access to system resources and share the workload.

A semaphore is a synchronization mechanism that coordinates access to shared resources by multiple processes. It acts as a signal to manage the entry and exit of processes into critical regions.

The V operation increments the semaphore value by 1, signaling a process to enter the critical region if waiting. It essentially unlocks access to the critical region.

The P operation decrements the semaphore value by 1, signaling a process to wait for access to the critical region if the resource is currently in use.

A semaphore value of 0 indicates that the critical region is currently occupied. A process attempting to enter will be blocked and must wait until the semaphore value is greater than 0, indicating the resource is free.

The P operation is called first by a process to ensure the shared resource is available and decrements the semaphore value. It then fetches, decrements, and stores the value, all in a single atomic operation.

The V operation is called by a process exiting the critical region, adding 1 to the semaphore value. This change allows processes waiting for the resource to access the critical region.

The order in which processes are chosen to proceed after waiting is determined by the process scheduler algorithm. Different algorithms may prioritize based on factors like arrival time, priority, or deadlines.

Semaphores can be used to implement various synchronization mechanisms, including mutexes, barriers, and condition variables. They provide a flexible way to coordinate the actions of multiple processes in a concurrent setting.

A computer architecture where a single instruction operates on a single data stream. This architecture offers limited parallelism with minimal opportunities for speedup.

A computer architecture where a single instruction operates on multiple data streams simultaneously. This architecture provides opportunities for data-level parallelism, but lacks instruction-level parallelism.

A computer architecture where multiple instructions operate on a single data stream simultaneously. While this architecture allows instruction-level parallelism, it lacks data-level parallelism.

A computer architecture where multiple instructions operate on multiple data streams simultaneously. This architecture offers the highest potential for parallelism, allowing both instruction-level and data-level parallelism.

A principle that states that the speedup of a program using multiple processors is limited by the portion of the program that cannot be parallelized. This limit is known as the serial fraction.

A software development environment that solves various issues like high development costs and the need for compatibility across different systems. It allows for the development and distribution of applications across the internet and the World Wide Web.

The Java platform includes two components: the Java Virtual Machine (JVM) and the Java Application Programming Interface (Java API). The JVM interprets compiled bytecodes and runs Java applications, while the Java API provides a collection of pre-built modules and classes for application development.

The core of the Java platform, it interprets compiled bytecodes and runs Java applications, ensuring compatibility across different platforms by providing an abstract layer between the application and the underlying hardware.

A collection of software modules grouped into libraries by classes and interfaces, offered as part of the Java platform. It provides pre-built components for common tasks, making Java development easier and faster.

A software development technique where applications are designed to run independently of the underlying operating system and hardware. It allows applications to work consistently across a wide range of devices.

Java applications are designed to be easily distributed over the internet, making them accessible to a vast audience and simplifying deployments across various platforms.

The process of translating Java source code into bytecode, a format understood by the Java Virtual Machine. It's an intermediate step between writing code and executing it.

The process of interpreting bytecode instructions and executing them on the target platform. It allows Java applications to run on different systems without the need to recompile the code for each platform.

A set of rules that dictates the order in which operations are performed in mathematical expressions. This ensures consistent evaluation and prevents ambiguity in calculations.

The process of simplifying mathematical expressions by following the order of operations, ensuring that calculations are performed in the correct sequence.

In the order of operations, calculations within parentheses or brackets are executed first, regardless of their position in the expression.

Exponents, representing repeated multiplication, are evaluated after parentheses, before multiplication and division.

When multiple multiplications and/or divisions are present in an expression, they are executed from left to right.

In cases where an expression includes both additions and subtractions, they are executed from left to right, similar to multiplication and division.

A step in a computation, which may include several individual machine operations, is a single action performed in the process of evaluating an expression according to the order of operations.

The ability to calculate and execute different parts of a mathematical expression concurrently, using multiple processors, potentially speeding up the overall computation.