Critical Section Problem in Operating Systems

What does the compare_and_swap() function do?

Sets the value at the memory location to a new value (correct)
Swaps the values at two memory locations
Increments the value at the memory location if equal to the expected value
Decrements the value at the memory location if equal to the expected value

Which algorithm satisfies all critical-section requirements in the provided text?

Algorithm using atomic integer operations
Semaphore algorithm for process synchronization
Mutual exclusion with compare and swap() instruction
Bounded-waiting mutual exclusion with test and set() instruction (correct)

What is the initial value of the 'lock' variable in the provided algorithms?

0 (correct)
1
False
True

Which operation decrements the value of a semaphore if it is positive?

Wait (B) Signup and view all the answers

How can process P enter its critical section based on the information provided?

If waiting[i] is false or key is false (C) Signup and view all the answers

What causes key to become false in the process synchronization algorithm described?

'Test And Set()' execution by a process (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why can't other processes immediately enter their critical sections after one process sets key to false?

'Test And Set()' locks other processes out (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the compare_and_swap() function, what value does temp hold initially?

*val (B) Signup and view all the answers

What condition must be met for a process to enter its critical section in the second algorithm described?

'key' should be true and 'waiting[i]' should be false (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if j equals i in the second algorithm described?

Lock is set to false (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main purpose of solutions like Peterson's Solution and Hardware Synchronization in Process Synchronization?

To ensure mutual exclusion and prevent race conditions (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does Peterson's Solution ensure that only one process can access the critical section at a specific time?

By setting flags and updating the TURN variable to control process access (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the TestAndSet() instruction in Hardware Synchronization?

To implement mutual exclusion by setting a lock variable (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does Hardware Synchronization help in solving the critical-section problem?

By ensuring mutual exclusion using sophisticated lock designs (C) Signup and view all the answers

In Peterson's Solution, what is the function of the FLAG[] array?

To store the status of whether processes are ready to enter the critical section (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why is Bounded Waiting an important condition addressed by solutions like Peterson's Solution?

To provide each process with a fair chance to enter the Critical Section (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the TestAndSet() instruction contribute to mutual exclusion in Hardware Synchronization?

By providing a mechanism for setting a lock variable before entering a critical section (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between Peterson's Solution and Hardware Synchronization for ensuring mutual exclusion?

Peterson's Solution uses flags and a TURN variable, whereas Hardware Synchronization leverages low-level hardware instructions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes how Hardware Synchronization helps in solving the critical-section problem?

Hardware Synchronization ensures mutual exclusion through advanced lock designs and hardware instructions. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a Critical Section?

A code segment that accesses shared variables and must be executed as an atomic action (B) Signup and view all the answers

In the Critical Section Problem, what does Mutual Exclusion refer to?

Ensuring only one process is in its critical section at a given time (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which function is mainly responsible for handling the entry to the critical section?

wait() (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the exit section following the Critical Section?

To signal the end of the critical section (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which condition must be satisfied for a solution to the Critical Section Problem?

Mutual Exclusion (C) Signup and view all the answers

'Progress' in the context of the Critical Section Problem means:

If no process is in its critical section, then a process must enter (D) Signup and view all the answers

'Bounded Waiting' in the Critical Section Problem refers to:

Limiting how many other processes can enter their critical sections before granting access to one waiting process (D) Signup and view all the answers