What type of synchronization primitive are semaphores?

Understand the Problem

The question is asking about semaphores, specifically their classification as a type of synchronization primitive. This indicates a focus on concepts related to computer science and concurrency control.

More Information

Semaphores are used to control access to a common resource by multiple threads in concurrent systems. They can synchronize activities by blocking processes until a required condition is true.

Tips

A common mistake is confusing semaphores with mutexes. While both are for synchronization, semaphores can allow multiple threads to access, as they can have a count greater than one; mutexes only allow one.

Sources

• Semaphore (programming) - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
• Semaphores in Process Synchronization - GeeksforGeeks - geeksforgeeks.org