What Is A Semaphore? What Is A Semaphore Set?
A semaphore is a resource that contains an integer value, and allows processes to synchronize by testing and setting this value in a single atomic operation. This means that the process that tests the value of a semaphore and sets it to a different value (based on the test), is guaranteed no other process will interfere with the operation in the middle. Two types of operations can be carried on a semaphore: wait and signal. A set operation first checks if the semaphore’s value equals some number. If it does, it decreases its value and returns. If it does not, the operation blocks the calling process until the semaphore’s value reaches the desired value. A signal operation increments the value of the semaphore, possibly awakening one or more processes that are waiting on the semaphore. How this mechanism can be put to practical use will be explained soon. A semaphore set is a structure that stores a group of semaphores together, and possibly allows the process to commit a transaction on
