Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the purpose of process resumption in operating systems?
What is the purpose of process resumption in operating systems?
During context switching, what is saved and restored to allow a process to resume execution later?
During context switching, what is saved and restored to allow a process to resume execution later?
What is the main purpose of inter-process communication mechanisms?
What is the main purpose of inter-process communication mechanisms?
In process synchronization, what are synchronization primitives primarily used for?
In process synchronization, what are synchronization primitives primarily used for?
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When does a process typically move to the 'Waiting State'?
When does a process typically move to the 'Waiting State'?
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What is the key element of process management that involves selecting one process to initiate execution from many processes in the ready state?
What is the key element of process management that involves selecting one process to initiate execution from many processes in the ready state?
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When a process is awaiting an event or resource and has halted its execution, which state does it enter?
When a process is awaiting an event or resource and has halted its execution, which state does it enter?
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What happens to a process once its intended function has been completed?
What happens to a process once its intended function has been completed?
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During runtime, what occurs when a process becomes obstructed?
During runtime, what occurs when a process becomes obstructed?
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Which phase does a process enter once it has been created, is in the main memory ready queue, and is prepared for execution?
Which phase does a process enter once it has been created, is in the main memory ready queue, and is prepared for execution?
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Study Notes
Process Management, Scheduling, Synchronization, and States
Process Management
In an operating system, process management involves dealing with the dynamic behavior of processes. These processes are the instances of programs that are now being executed by one or many threads. Efficient management is necessary to prevent crashes or slowdowns in the system. The operating system employs a range of techniques, such as scheduling, synchronization, communication, and others, to manage these processes effectively.
Process management encompasses the following key elements:
- Creation: A process is made ready once it has been created, enters the ready queue (main memory), and is prepared for execution.
- Planning: The operating system selects one process to initiate execution from the myriad of processes currently in the ready state.
- Application: Execution begins as soon as the chosen process is scheduled for execution. During runtime, the process may become obstructed, at which point the processor shifts to executing other processes.
- Killing or Deletion: The OS ends the process once its intended function has been completed. The process's context remains preserved.
- Blocking: A process awaits an event or resource, prompting the OS to place it in a blocked state, halting execution until the resource or event becomes accessible.
- Resumption: Upon availability of the resource or event that triggered a process's blocking, the process is reinstated to the ready queue.
- Context Switching: This occurs when the OS switches from executing one process to another. It involves saving and restoring the context of the previous process in the process control block (PCB) to resume its execution at a later time.
- Inter-Process Communication: Mechanisms enable processes to share data and coordinate actions.
- Process Synchronization: Multiple processes need to access shared resources singlehandedly or critical sections of code concurrently. Synchronization primitives assist in ensuring concurrency and preventing potential issues such as race conditions.
Process States
Processes pass through varying states throughout their lifetime. At least four distinct states exist:
- Ready State: A process exists in this state after being created or when it returns from a block.
- Running State: A process occupies this state during its actual execution on the CPU.
- Waiting State: A process moves to this state when it requires a specific resource or is paused.
- Terminated State: A process ends up in this state upon completion or due to external factors, such as system shutdown.
Each state represents a distinct phase of a process's life cycle, demonstrating the dynamic nature of process management in operating systems.
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Description
Explore the fundamentals of process management in operating systems, covering topics like process creation, planning, execution, termination, blocking, context switching, inter-process communication, and process synchronization. Learn about the different states a process transitions through during its lifetime, including Ready State, Running State, Waiting State, and Terminated State.