What is Process Synchronization in Operating System? Explain with an example.
What is Process Synchronization in Operating System? Explain with an example.
Ask by Revati S Misra
Updated 27 Mar 2023
In an operating system, process synchronization refers to the coordination of multiple processes or threads that share a common resource, such as memory or I/O devices. It preserves the order of execution of corporate processes. It also ensures that these processes or threads do not interfere with each other and that they access shared resources in a mutually exclusive and coordinated manner.
An example of process synchronization is the implementation of a shared resource, such as a printer, by multiple processes or threads. If two or more processes or threads try to access the printer at the same time, the output becomes erroneous, and the printer may become jammed. To avoid such conflicts, we use locks, semaphores, and monitors.
For example, let Process A and Process B share a printer. To avoid conflicts, the operating system might implement a semaphore to ensure that only one process can access the printer at a time. Process A might request the semaphore and gain access to the printer, while Process B is blocked until the semaphore is released by Process A. Process B gets access to the printer only once Process A has finished using the printer. This enables the operating system to ensure that multiple processes or threads can run concurrently without interfering with each other or causing errors.