When multiple producers and consumers share a bounded buffer, which synchronization approach prevents deadlock and ensures fairness among threads?

easy💻 Programming Q2 of Q15

Operating Systems - Producer-Consumer Problem Using Semaphores

AUse separate counting semaphores for empty and full slots, a mutex for buffer access, and ensure semaphore operations follow the correct order.

BUse a single mutex lock for both producers and consumers without semaphores.

CUse busy-wait loops to check buffer state before producing or consuming.

DUse counting semaphores but avoid using any mutex to reduce overhead.

Step-by-Step Solution

Solution:

Step 1: Use counting semaphores
One semaphore tracks empty slots, another tracks full slots to manage buffer capacity.
Step 2: Use a mutex
Mutex protects critical section to avoid race conditions during buffer access.
Step 3: Correct semaphore operation order
Producers wait on empty, acquire mutex, insert item, release mutex, signal full; consumers do the reverse.
Final Answer:
Option A -> Option A
Quick Check:
Proper semaphore and mutex usage prevents deadlock and starvation [OK]

Quick Trick: Separate semaphores + mutex + correct order prevents deadlock [OK]

Common Mistakes:

MISTAKES

Trap Explanation:

PITFALL

Interviewer Note:

CONTEXT

Evaluates knowledge of synchronization order and fairness in multi-threaded producer-consumer.

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