Category: Operating system
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Executables
Executables are files containing machine code instructions that a computer can directly execute. These files are the end result of compiling and linking source code written in programming languages like C, C++, or Rust. Executables are platform-specific, meaning an executable file created for one operating system (e.g., Windows) won’t run on another (e.g., Linux) without…
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Assembly code
Assembly code, often referred to as assembly language, is a low-level programming language closely aligned with a computer’s machine language. It serves as a bridge between high-level languages like Python or C and the binary instructions executed by a CPU. Each assembly instruction corresponds to a single operation performed by the processor, such as arithmetic,…
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Byte Code
Byte code plays a pivotal role in modern software development, particularly in programming languages that prioritize portability and cross-platform functionality. It is an intermediate representation of source code that bridges the gap between high-level programming languages and machine-specific code. Unlike native machine code, which is tailored to a specific platform, byte code is designed to…
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Deadlock in OS
Deadlock is a critical problem in operating systems (OS) that occurs when a set of processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for resources held by another process in the set. It is a state where processes are indefinitely blocked, causing system inefficiency and potential failure. This article explores the concept of deadlock,…
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Virtual memory in OS
Virtual memory is a cornerstone of modern operating systems, enabling efficient use of physical memory while allowing processes to execute as if they have access to unlimited memory. It bridges the gap between a system’s limited RAM and the application’s memory demands by using secondary storage. This article explores the fundamentals of virtual memory, its…
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System Calls in OS
System calls act as the primary interface between a user application and the operating system (OS). These are crucial mechanisms through which programs interact with hardware or request OS services such as file management, process control, communication, and more. This article explores system calls, their working, types, and usage in real-world applications, supported by schematics…
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Processes in OS
A process is the execution of a program in an operating system (OS). It is a fundamental concept that forms the backbone of modern computing, as processes allow multiple programs to run simultaneously on a computer. This article explores the nature of processes, their lifecycle, types, and inter-process communication, supplemented by schematics and code examples.…
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Threads in OS
Threads are an essential feature of modern operating systems (OS), enabling efficient multitasking and parallelism within processes. A thread represents the smallest unit of execution in a process, allowing multiple threads to run concurrently within a single process. This article delves into the concept of threads, their benefits, lifecycle, and implementation, supported by schematics and…
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File System in OS
A file system is a fundamental component of an operating system (OS) that organizes, stores, and retrieves data on storage devices like hard drives, SSDs, and removable drives. It provides a structured way to manage files, directories, and access permissions, ensuring efficient storage utilization and data security. This article delves into the architecture, types, and…
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CPU and I/O scheduling in OS
CPU and I/O scheduling are critical components of operating systems, designed to optimize the performance and resource utilization of a computer system. They determine the order in which processes access the CPU and I/O devices, ensuring fairness and efficiency. This article provides an in-depth analysis of these scheduling techniques, supplemented by schematics and code examples.…
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Memory Management in OS
Memory management is a critical function of an operating system (OS) that handles the allocation, organization, and optimization of a computer’s primary memory (RAM). This ensures efficient use of memory resources while enabling smooth multitasking and system performance. This article explores the fundamentals of memory management, its techniques, and real-world implementations, supported by schematics and…
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Inter-Process Communication in OS
Inter-Process Communication (IPC) is a fundamental mechanism in operating systems (OS) that allows processes to exchange data and synchronize their activities. Processes in modern systems often need to work collaboratively, and IPC facilitates this by providing structured communication pathways. This article delves into the concept of IPC, its types, mechanisms, and practical applications, supported by…
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Memory Hierarchy: Cache, Main Memory, and Secondary Storage
Memory hierarchy is a structured arrangement of storage systems in a computer, designed to bridge the gap between the CPU’s high processing speed and the slower memory units. This hierarchy ensures efficient data access by prioritizing faster, smaller, and costlier memory closer to the CPU, while larger, slower, and more economical memory resides farther away.…
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Concurrency and Synchronization in OS
Concurrency and synchronization are pivotal concepts in operating systems (OS) that enable efficient multitasking and coordination among processes or threads. Concurrency refers to the ability to execute multiple tasks simultaneously, while synchronization ensures that these tasks are executed in a coordinated and conflict-free manner. This article explores these concepts in detail, supported by schematics and…