What are the advantages of semaphores over monitors in concurrent programming?

What are the advantages of semaphores over monitors in concurrent programming?

Semaphores are more flexible than monitors as they allow signaling between processes, while monitors are more restrictive.

Can you explain how semaphores manage access to shared resources?

Sure! Semaphores use a counter to control access, allowing multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

What about the disadvantages of using semaphores?

One disadvantage is that semaphores can lead to complex code and potential deadlocks if not managed carefully.

How do monitors handle synchronization differently?

Monitors encapsulate shared data and provide methods for safe access, ensuring that only one thread can execute a method at a time.

Which one is generally preferred in modern programming?

It depends on the use case; monitors are often preferred for their simplicity, while semaphores are used for more complex scenarios.