What are some common use cases for semaphores?

What are some common use cases for semaphores?

Semaphores are often used in concurrent programming to control access to shared resources. Common use cases include managing access to databases, ensuring thread safety in multi-threaded applications, and controlling the number of concurrent connections to a server.

Can you give me an example of how semaphores work in a real application?

Sure! In a web server, semaphores can limit the number of simultaneous connections. For instance, if a server can handle only 10 connections at a time, a semaphore initialized to 10 will allow up to 10 threads to access the server, blocking any additional threads until one of the active connections is released.

What are the differences between semaphores and mutexes?

Semaphores allow multiple threads to access a resource up to a certain limit, while mutexes provide exclusive access to a resource for only one thread at a time. This makes semaphores more suitable for managing a pool of resources, whereas mutexes are better for protecting critical sections.

Are there any downsides to using semaphores?

Yes, semaphores can lead to complexity in code and potential issues like deadlocks if not managed properly. They require careful design to ensure that resources are released correctly and that the system remains responsive.