Producer-Consumer Problem
Two processes share a fixed-size buffer. The producer adds data to the buffer, and the consumer removes data from the buffer.
- Requires synchronization to prevent buffer overflow/underflow
- Uses semaphores or monitors for coordination
- Classic example of concurrent access to shared resources
Readers-Writers Problem
Multiple processes want to access a shared database: readers (only read data) and writers (modify data).
- Multiple readers can access simultaneously
- Writers need exclusive access
- Various priorities can be implemented (reader/writer preference)
Dining Philosophers Problem
Five philosophers sit around a table with one fork between each pair. Each philosopher needs two forks to eat.
- Demonstrates deadlock and starvation issues
- Requires careful resource allocation
- Multiple solutions exist with different trade-offs
Sleeping Barber Problem
A barber shop with one barber, one barber chair, and a waiting room with several chairs.
- Barber sleeps when no customers are present
- Arriving customers either wake the barber or wait
- Illustrates process coordination and mutual exclusion
| Feature | Producer-Consumer | Readers-Writers | Dining Philosophers | Sleeping Barber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Buffer Management | Data Access Control | Resource Allocation | Process Coordination |
| Main Challenge | Overflow/Underflow | Access Priorities | Deadlock Prevention | Customer Management |
| Typical Solution | Semaphores | Read/Write Locks | Resource Hierarchy | Mutex + Semaphores |