Peterson's algorithm
Peterson's algorithm is a method for two or more computer programs, called processes, to share a resource (like a printer or a file) without interfering with each other.
Imagine two kids, Alice and Bob, who both want to bake a cake in the same kitchen without getting in each other's way. In order to do this, they need to use Peterson's algorithm.
Step 1: The kids agree to take turns using the kitchen.
Step 2: Alice has a special flag that she can raise if she wants to use the kitchen first. Bob also has a flag.
Step 3: If both flags are down, either Alice or Bob can go into the kitchen to start baking their cake.
Step 4: If Alice raises her flag, but Bob already has his up, Alice has to wait outside of the kitchen until Bob is finished.
Step 5: Once Bob is finished, he puts his flag down and Alice can put her flag up to start using the kitchen.
Step 6: They continue to take turns like this, each raising their flag when they want to use the kitchen and waiting until it is their turn.
Peterson's algorithm works similarly for computer programs. Each process is given a turn to use the resource, and they must take turns using it. If a process wants to use the resource but it is already being used by another process, it must wait until it is their turn. This ensures that no processes interfere with each other and everyone gets a chance to use the resource fairly.
Imagine two kids, Alice and Bob, who both want to bake a cake in the same kitchen without getting in each other's way. In order to do this, they need to use Peterson's algorithm.
Step 1: The kids agree to take turns using the kitchen.
Step 2: Alice has a special flag that she can raise if she wants to use the kitchen first. Bob also has a flag.
Step 3: If both flags are down, either Alice or Bob can go into the kitchen to start baking their cake.
Step 4: If Alice raises her flag, but Bob already has his up, Alice has to wait outside of the kitchen until Bob is finished.
Step 5: Once Bob is finished, he puts his flag down and Alice can put her flag up to start using the kitchen.
Step 6: They continue to take turns like this, each raising their flag when they want to use the kitchen and waiting until it is their turn.
Peterson's algorithm works similarly for computer programs. Each process is given a turn to use the resource, and they must take turns using it. If a process wants to use the resource but it is already being used by another process, it must wait until it is their turn. This ensures that no processes interfere with each other and everyone gets a chance to use the resource fairly.
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