Priority Scheduling
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Introduction to Priority Scheduling
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Today, we're discussing priority scheduling. Can anyone tell me what they think it might be?
I believe it has to do with how the CPU decides which process to run first based on importance?
Exactly! Each process has a priority level, and the CPU will allocate resources to the process with the highest priority first. Remember this as 'High Priority First'.
What happens if two processes have the same priority?
Great question! Typically, first-come-first-served mechanisms are used to resolve such tie situations. This minimizes chaos and maximizes fairness. So remember, itβs 'FCFS' for ties!
Are there different types of priority scheduling?
Yes! We have both non-preemptive and preemptive priority scheduling. Non-preemptive means once a process is running, it wonβt be interrupted. Preemptive allows a higher priority process to interrupt another. Can you guess which one is more complex?
I think preemptive would be more complex because it has to switch contexts often.
Correct! Remember that preemption leads to better responsiveness but may increase overhead. Letβs recap. Priority scheduling allows high-priority processes to run first but may cause starvation for lower-priority ones.
Advantages and Disadvantages
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Letβs explore the benefits of priority scheduling. Who can share a potential advantage?
It makes sure important tasks are done quickly!
Exactly! Thatβs why critical computing tasks often use priority scheduling. However, whatβs a downside?
Starvation for lower priority processes?
Correct! Over time, lower-priority processes may never get executed if higher-priority ones keep arriving. What technique could help with this issue?
Aging! It raises the priority of processes that wait too long.
Exactly! Aging is essential for fairness. Make sure to remember that aging can alleviate starvation issues. Letβs summarize the key points: Priority scheduling has benefits like efficiency but risks starvation.
Priority Scheduling Types
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Now that we understand priority scheduling, let's differentiate the types. Who can explain non-preemptive priority scheduling?
It means that once a process gets CPU time, it runs to completion without interruption.
Great summary! And preemptive scheduling?
That allows new higher-priority processes to preempt a running process.
Exactly right! Preemptive scheduling is more responsive. Can anyone think of when we might want to use each?
Non-preemptive might be good for batch processing where tasks are known and timed, while preemptive is better for interactive systems.
Perfect insights! Remember, the choice of scheduling type greatly impacts system performance. In summary, non-preemptive prioritizes process completion while preemptive focuses on responsiveness.
Introduction & Overview
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Quick Overview
Standard
Priority scheduling is an important CPU allocation strategy where processes are scheduled based on their priority levels. This section details the operation, advantages, disadvantages, and various forms of priority scheduling, emphasizing the significance of process prioritization in ensuring efficient CPU utilization.
Detailed
Priority Scheduling
Priority scheduling is a CPU scheduling method where each process is assigned a priority. The CPU is allocated to the process with the highest priority, which can be defined by an integer value. This scheduling method can be non-preemptive, where a running process cannot be interrupted, or preemptive, where higher priority processes can preempt currently running ones.
Key Points:
- Priority Assignment: Priorities can be determined by internal process factors (such as time limits and resource needs) or external factors (set by users or systems). Generally, lower numbers correspond to higher priorities.
- Types:
- Non-Preemptive Priority Scheduling: Once a process is allocated the CPU, it runs until it voluntarily releases it.
- Preemptive Priority Scheduling: If a new process with a higher priority arrives, the current process is interrupted and moved back to the ready queue.
- Advantages:
- Important or time-sensitive processes get quicker access to CPU resources.
- Flexibility to meet specific system requirements.
- Disadvantages:
- Starvation of low-priority processes can occur, leading to indefinite postponement.
- Aging techniques can help mitigate starvation by gradually increasing the priority of waiting processes.
In conclusion, priority scheduling is a critical strategy in operating system design ensuring critical tasks are given precedence, especially in real-time and interactive systems.
Audio Book
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Concept of Priority Scheduling
Chapter 1 of 5
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Chapter Content
Each process is assigned a priority number (an integer). The CPU is always allocated to the process with the highest priority. If two processes have the same priority, FCFS is often used to break the tie.
Detailed Explanation
Priority scheduling is a method used by operating systems to determine which process should be allocated CPU resources based on its priority level. Each process receives a numeric priority value. The scheduler then selects processes for execution starting with the one that has the highest priority. In cases where two processes share the same priority level, the system typically applies First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) to decide which one runs first.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a restaurant where customers are seated based on their reservations and importance. Customers with higher reservations (like VIPs) are allowed to sit first, while regular customers may need to wait for their chance. If two regular customers arrive at the same time, the one who got there first sits down first.
Priority Assignment
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Chapter Content
Processes can have their priorities assigned based on internal and external factors. Internal factors might include process characteristics like time limits and resource requirements, while external factors might involve user-defined priorities or system specifications. Typically, a smaller integer value represents a higher priority.
Detailed Explanation
Priority scheduling allows for flexibility in how priorities are assigned to processes. Internal factors are inherent characteristics of processes, such as their required resources or urgency, which can dictate priority. External factors include criteria set by users or system administrators, reflecting the importance of a process relative to others. Generally, the lower the number assigned to a process, the higher its priority, meaning it will be executed sooner.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a cityβs emergency response system. Emergency calls are prioritized over non-urgent requests. For example, a report of a fire (internal factor) is treated as a more urgent priority than a noise complaint from a neighbor (external factor). Hence, firefighters will respond to the fire first.
Variations of Priority Scheduling
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Chapter Content
There are two main types of priority scheduling: non-preemptive and preemptive. Non-Preemptive Priority Scheduling allows a process to run until it completes, while Preemptive Priority Scheduling can interrupt a currently running process if a new process with a higher priority arrives.
Detailed Explanation
In non-preemptive priority scheduling, once a process is given the CPU, it retains control until it voluntarily releases it (either by completion or blocking for I/O). Conversely, in preemptive scheduling, if a higher priority process arrives, it can interrupt and take over the CPU, ensuring that the most critical tasks are handled first. This flexibility allows systems to respond promptly to new, urgent demands.
Examples & Analogies
Imagine a medical hospital where a doctor is treating a patient (non-preemptive). The doctor will finish this treatment before attending to a less critical patient. Now, consider a scenario where an emergency patient arrives with a life-threatening condition. The doctor will immediately attend to the emergency patient (preemptive), thus ensuring that urgent cases are prioritized.
Advantages of Priority Scheduling
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Chapter Content
Priority scheduling allows important or time-sensitive processes to be executed quickly and is flexible to adapt to specific system requirements by tuning priorities.
Detailed Explanation
One significant benefit of priority scheduling is that it ensures critical processes can quickly gain CPU time, thus enhancing overall responsiveness and efficiency. Additionally, system administrators can adjust priorities based on changing demands or application needs, allowing for dynamic management that improves performance. This adaptability is crucial for systems that run various processes with differing importance.
Examples & Analogies
Think about a theater play where understudies are prepared to perform if the main actors are unavailable. The director can assign lead actors different roles and give priority to those who are critically needed at a certain moment. This ensures that the show goes on smoothly, highlighting the importance of roles based on context.
Disadvantages of Priority Scheduling
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Chapter Content
One significant issue with priority scheduling is starvation, where low-priority processes may never get CPU time if a constant stream of high-priority processes keeps coming in. Aging is a potential solution to avoid this issue.
Detailed Explanation
While priority scheduling effectively handles urgent processes, a major drawback is the risk of starvation. This occurs when lower-priority processes are perpetually waiting for CPU time, as higher-priority processes continuously overtake them. To mitigate this, aging techniques can be implemented where the priority of waiting processes gradually increases over time, ensuring they eventually receive execution time.
Examples & Analogies
Consider a crowded elevator where only a few people (high-priority) enter before all others waiting (low-priority). If the elevator keeps taking those few upstairs repeatedly, the others waiting might never get on. Implementing a queue system that prioritizes those who have been waiting longer could ensure everyone eventually gets a ride, regardless of how many VIP passengers there are.
Key Concepts
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Priority Scheduling: A method where the CPU is allocated based on process priority.
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Non-Preemptive Scheduling: CPU is not interrupted for lower-priority tasks.
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Preemptive Scheduling: Allows the running task to be interrupted for higher-priority tasks.
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Aging: A technique that helps prevent starvation by gradually increasing process priority.
Examples & Applications
In a hospital system, critical patient data processing might have a higher priority than routine lab report processing.
In a video game, the real-time actions of players might take precedence over background updates.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
In priority the fast ones go, the slow wait long, this we know.
Stories
Imagine a hospital where urgent patients get treated first while others wait in line, which reflects how priority scheduling works.
Memory Tools
PNEA: Priority, Non-preemptive, Preemptive, Aging.
Acronyms
P.A.S.S - Priority Assigns Scheduling Strategies.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Priority Scheduling
A CPU scheduling method that allocates CPU resources based on assigned priority levels for each process.
- NonPreemptive Scheduling
A scheduling type where a running process cannot be interrupted; it runs until completion.
- Preemptive Scheduling
A scheduling type where a process can be interrupted if a new process with a higher priority needs to execute.
- Aging
A technique that gradually increases the priority of a process that has been waiting for a long time.
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