📖 5. Process Synchronization

📖 From Operating System • 1510 questions available

About 5. Process Synchronization

When multiple processes or threads are running at the same time and sharing the same data or resources, things can go wrong. For instance, if two people try to update the same bank account balance at the exact same moment, the final amount could be incorrect. Process synchronization is the set of techniques used by the OS to control the order in which these processes execute, ensuring that shared data remains consistent and correct. It's like a traffic cop for your computer's resources.

The core problem in synchronization is the "critical section," which is a part of the code that accesses shared resources. The OS ensures that only one process can be in its critical section at a time. This is often achieved using tools like locks or semaphores, which act as signals to prevent conflicts. By carefully coordinating access to shared data, synchronization prevents race conditions and ensures that all operations happen in a predictable and orderly manner, maintaining the integrity of the system.

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🔄 Last updated: 2026-08-08