What are the different types of semaphores?

What are the different types of semaphores?

There are two main types of semaphores: binary semaphores and counting semaphores. Binary semaphores can take only two values, 0 and 1, while counting semaphores can take a range of values.

Can you explain binary semaphores in more detail?

Sure! Binary semaphores are used to control access to a single resource. They are often used for mutual exclusion, ensuring that only one thread can access a resource at a time.

What about counting semaphores?

Counting semaphores allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources. The value of the semaphore represents the number of available resources.

When would I use a counting semaphore instead of a binary semaphore?

You would use a counting semaphore when you have multiple identical resources to manage, like a pool of database connections, whereas a binary semaphore is suitable for exclusive access.