What are the differences between event flags and semaphores?

What are the differences between event flags and semaphores?

Event flags and semaphores are both synchronization mechanisms used in concurrent programming, but they serve different purposes. Event flags are typically used to signal events between tasks, while semaphores are used to control access to shared resources.

Can you explain how each one works?

Sure! A semaphore maintains a count that represents the number of available resources. When a task wants to access a resource, it decrements the semaphore. If the count is zero, the task must wait. An event flag, on the other hand, is a binary signal that indicates whether a specific event has occurred, allowing tasks to wait for that event.

When should I use one over the other?

Use semaphores when you need to manage access to a limited number of resources, and use event flags when you need to signal between tasks without resource management.

Are there any performance differences?

Yes, generally, event flags can be more lightweight and faster for signaling events, while semaphores may introduce more overhead due to resource counting.