Explanation of Code Snippet: Strict Alternation for Critical Region Problem
Problem Context
The critical-region problem is about ensuring that multiple processes (like P0 and P1) don't
access a shared resource simultaneously, leading to potential conflicts or errors. A common
solution involves making sure that when one process is in its critical section (accessing the
shared resource), others are prevented from entering theirs.
Code Explanation
The snippet presents two blocks of code, each handling two processes (P0 and P1) that need
to alternate their access to the critical region:
Variables
- **turn**: This is an integer variable that controls whose turn it is to enter the critical
region. It starts at 0, meaning that P0 has the first chance to access the shared resource.
Process 0 (P0) - Left Code Block
while (TRUE) {
while (turn != 0) /* loop */;
critical_region();
turn = 1;
noncritical_region();
}
**Explanation**:
1. **`while (TRUE)`**: This indicates an infinite loop where P0 keeps running.
2. **`while (turn != 0) /* loop */;`**: This line is a 'busy wait.' P0 stays in this loop until
`turn` equals `0`, meaning it's P0's turn to enter the critical region.
3. **`critical_region();`**: Once `turn` is `0`, P0 executes this function, indicating it is
accessing the critical section.
4. **`turn = 1;`**: After P0 completes its critical section, it sets `turn` to `1`, allowing P1 to
access its critical section.
5. **`noncritical_region();`**: P0 then executes its non-critical operations.
Process 1 (P1) - Right Code Block
while (TRUE) {
while (turn != 1) /* loop */;
critical_region();
turn = 0;
noncritical_region();
}
**Explanation**:
1. **`while (TRUE)`**: Like P0, P1 runs infinitely.
2. **`while (turn != 1) /* loop */;`**: P1 busy waits until `turn` is `1`, allowing it to enter the
critical region.
3. **`critical_region();`**: When `turn` is `1`, P1 accesses the critical section.
4. **`turn = 0;`**: After finishing, P1 sets `turn` back to `0`, handing control back to P0.
5. **`noncritical_region();`**: P1 continues with its non-critical activities.
Key Concepts
1. **Busy Waiting**: Both P0 and P1 employ busy waiting (also called a spinlock) while
waiting for their turn. This means they continuously check the `turn` variable until it
matches their allowed value.
2. **Strict Alternation**: This solution enforces that P0 and P1 strictly alternate access to
the critical region. If one process finishes quickly, the other process will still have to wait for
its turn.
3. **Turn Variable**: The `turn` variable is a simple mechanism to control the alternating
behavior, ensuring mutual exclusion (only one process in the critical section at a time).
Limitations
- This solution does not account for fairness or efficiency, as a fast process may be forced to
wait if the other process has not yet released the turn.
- Busy waiting can be resource-intensive, especially if the waiting period is long.
