What are some advanced examples of semaphore usage?

Can you provide some advanced examples of semaphore usage in programming?

Sure! Semaphores are often used for controlling access to shared resources. One advanced example is using counting semaphores to manage a pool of database connections.

How does a counting semaphore work in that context?

A counting semaphore maintains a count of available resources. When a connection is requested, the count decreases, and when it's released, the count increases, ensuring that only a limited number of connections are active at any time.

Can you give another example of semaphore in a multi-threaded application?

Absolutely! Another example is using binary semaphores to implement mutual exclusion, ensuring that only one thread can access a critical section of code at a time.

What are the advantages of using semaphores over other synchronization methods?

Semaphores are more flexible than mutexes and can manage multiple resources, allowing for more complex synchronization scenarios.