What are the different scheduling algorithms used in OS?

Technical
Medium
Flipkart
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This question explores various CPU scheduling strategies and their trade-offs in terms of fairness and throughput.

Why Interviewers Ask This

Scheduling affects system responsiveness and efficiency. Interviewers want to see if you understand how different algorithms prioritize tasks and handle varying workloads in real-time or batch processing environments.

How to Answer This Question

List major algorithms like FCFS, SJF, Round Robin, and Priority Scheduling. Briefly explain the logic behind each. Compare them based on metrics like average waiting time, turnaround time, and response time. Discuss which algorithm suits interactive systems versus batch systems.

Key Points to Cover

  • Overview of major algorithms
  • Metrics for comparison
  • Starvation and convoy effects
  • Use case suitability

Sample Answer

Common algorithms include First-Come-First-Served, Shortest Job First, and Round Robin. FCFS is simple but suffers from convoy effect. SJF minimizes waiting time but risks starvation. Round Robin uses time slices to ensure fairness, making it ideal for interactive systems where quick response times are critical for user experience.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Listing algorithms without explaining pros/cons
  • Confusing pre-emptive and non-pre-emptive types
  • Failing to mention modern hybrid approaches

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