What is Semaphore? Binary, Counting Types with Example

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What is Semaphore?

Semaphore is simply a variable that is non-negative and shared between threads. A semaphore is a signaling mechanism, and a thread that is waiting on a semaphore can be signaled by another thread. It uses two atomic operations, 1)wait, and 2) signal for the process synchronization.

A semaphore either allows or disallows access to the resource, which depends on how it is set up.

In this Operating System(OS) tutorial, you will learn:

Characteristic of Semaphore

Here, are characteristic of a semaphore:

Types of Semaphores

The two common kinds of semaphores are

Counting Semaphores

This type of Semaphore uses a count that helps task to be acquired or released numerous times. If the initial count = 0, the counting semaphore should be created in the unavailable state.

However, If the count is > 0, the semaphore is created in the available state, and the number of tokens it has equals to its count.

Binary Semaphores

The binary semaphores are quite similar to counting semaphores, but their value is restricted to 0 and 1. In this type of semaphore, the wait operation works only if semaphore = 1, and the signal operation succeeds when semaphore= 0. It is easy to implement than counting semaphores.

Example of Semaphore

The below-given program is a step by step implementation, which involves usage and declaration of semaphore. 

Shared var mutex: semaphore = 1;
Process i
    begin
    .
    .
    P(mutex);
    execute CS;
    V(mutex);
    .
    .
    End;

Wait and Signal Operations in Semaphores

Both of these operations are used to implement process synchronization. The goal of this semaphore operation is to get mutual exclusion.

Wait for Operation

This type of semaphore operation helps you to control the entry of a task into the critical section. However, If the value of wait is positive, then the value of the wait argument X is decremented. In the case of negative or zero value, no operation is executed. It is also called P(S) operation.

After the semaphore value is decreased, which becomes negative, the command is held up until the required conditions are satisfied.

Copy CodeP(S)
{ 
    while (S<=0);
    S--;
}

Signal operation

This type of Semaphore operation is used to control the exit of a task from a critical section. It helps to increase the value of the argument by 1, which is denoted as V(S). 

Copy CodeP(S)
{ 
    while (S>=0);
    S++;
}

Counting Semaphore vs. Binary Semaphore

Here, are some major differences between counting and binary semaphore:

Counting Semaphore Binary Semaphore
No mutual exclusion Mutual exclusion
Any integer value Value only 0 and 1
More than one slot Only one slot
Provide a set of Processes It has a mutual exclusion mechanism.

Difference between Semaphore vs. Mutex

Parameters Semaphore Mutex
Mechanism It is a type of signaling mechanism. It is a locking mechanism.
Data Type Semaphore is an integer variable. Mutex is just an object.
Modification The wait and signal operations can modify a semaphore. It is modified only by the process that may request or release a resource.
Resource management If no resource is free, then the process requires a resource that should execute wait operation. It should wait until the count of the semaphore is greater than 0. If it is locked, the process has to wait. The process should be kept in a queue. This needs to be accessed only when the mutex is unlocked.
Thread You can have multiple program threads. You can have multiple program threads in mutex but not simultaneously.
Ownership Value can be changed by any process releasing or obtaining the resource. Object lock is released only by the process, which has obtained the lock on it.
Types Types of Semaphore are counting semaphore and binary semaphore and Mutex has no subtypes.
Operation Semaphore value is modified using wait () and signal () operation. Mutex object is locked or unlocked.
Resources Occupancy It is occupied if all resources are being used and the process requesting for resource performs wait () operation and blocks itself until semaphore count becomes >1. In case if the object is already locked, the process requesting resources waits and is queued by the system before lock is released.

Advantages of Semaphores

Here, are pros/benefits of using Semaphore:

Disadvantage of semaphores

Here, are cons/drawback of semaphore

Summary:

 

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