Introduction of Process Management

Last Updated : 12 Jul, 2024

A process is a program in execution. For example, when we write a program in C or C++ and
compile it, the compiler creates binary code. The original code and binary code are both
programs. When we actually run the binary code, it becomes a process. A process is an
‘active’ entity instead of a program, which is considered a ‘passive’ entity. A single program
can create many processes when run multiple times; for example, when we open a .exe or
binary file multiple times, multiple instances begin (multiple processes are created).

In this article, we will discuss process management in detail, along with the different states of
a process, its advantages, disadvantages, etc.

What is Process Management?

Process management is a key part of an operating system. It controls how processes are
carried out, and controls how your computer runs by handling the active processes. This
includes stopping processes, setting which processes should get more attention, and many
more. You can manage processes on your own computer too.

The OS is responsible for managing the start, stop, and scheduling of processes, which are
programs running on the system. The operating system uses a number of methods to prevent
deadlocks, facilitate inter-process communication, and synchronize processes. Efficient
resource allocation, conflict-free process execution, and optimal system performance are all
guaranteed by competent process management. This essential component of an operating
system enables the execution of numerous applications at once, enhancing system utilization
and responsiveness.

How Does a Process Look Like in Memory?

A process in memory is divided into several distinct sections, each serving a different
purpose. Here’s how a process typically looks in memory:
  Text Section: A Process, sometimes known as the Text Section, also includes the
current activity represented by the value of the Program Counter.

 Stack: The stack contains temporary data, such as function parameters, returns
addresses, and local variables.

 Data Section: Contains the global variable.

 Heap Section: Dynamically memory allocated to process during its run time.

Characteristics of a Process
A process has the following attributes.

 Process Id: A unique identifier assigned by the operating system.

 Process State: Can be ready, running, etc.

 CPU Registers: Like the Program Counter (CPU registers must be saved and restored
when a process is swapped in and out of the CPU)

 Accounts Information: Amount of CPU used for process execution, time limits,
execution ID, etc

 I/O Status Information: For example, devices allocated to the process, open files,
etc
  CPU Scheduling Information: For example, Priority (Different processes may have
different priorities, for example, a shorter process assigned high priority in the
shortest job first scheduling)

All of the above attributes of a process are also known as the context of the process. Every
process has its own process control block(PCB), i.e. each process will have a unique PCB.
All of the above attributes are part of the PCB.

All Your Queries Answered | DSA to Development Program | GeeksforGeeks

00:00/03:46

States of Process
A process is in one of the following states:

 New: Newly Created Process (or) being-created process.

 Ready: After the creation process moves to the Ready state, i.e. the process is ready
for execution.

 Running: Currently running process in CPU (only one process at a time can be under
execution in a single processor).

 Wait (or Block): When a process requests I/O access.

 Complete (or Terminated): The process completed its execution.

 Suspended Ready: When the ready queue becomes full, some processes are moved
to a suspended ready state

 Suspended Block: When the waiting queue becomes full.

Process Operations
Process operations in an operating system refer to the various activities the OS performs to
manage processes. These operations include process creation, process scheduling, execution
and killing the process. Here are the key process operations:

Process Operations

Process Creation

Process creation in an operating system (OS) is the act of generating a new process. This new
process is an instance of a program that can execute independently.

Scheduling

Once a process is ready to run, it enters the “ready queue.” The scheduler’s job is to pick a
process from this queue and start its execution.

Execution

Execution means the CPU starts working on the process. During this time, the process might:

 Move to a waiting queue if it needs to perform an I/O operation.

 Get blocked if a higher-priority process needs the CPU.

Killing the Process

After the process finishes its tasks, the operating system ends it and removes its Process
Control Block (PCB).

Context Switching of Process

The process of saving the context of one process and loading the context of another process is
known as Context Switching. In simple terms, it is like loading and unloading the process
from the running state to the ready state.
When Does Context Switching Happen?

Context Switching Happen:

 When a high-priority process comes to a ready state (i.e. with higher priority than the
running process).

 An Interrupt occurs.

 User and kernel-mode switch (It is not necessary though)

 Preemptive CPU scheduling is used.

Context Switch vs Mode Switch

A mode switch occurs when the CPU privilege level is changed, for example when a system
call is made or a fault occurs. The kernel works in more a privileged mode than a standard
user task. If a user process wants to access things that are only accessible to the kernel, a
mode switch must occur. The currently executing process need not be changed during a mode
switch. A mode switch typically occurs for a process context switch to occur. Only the kernel
can cause a context switch.

CPU-Bound vs I/O-Bound Processes

A CPU-bound process requires more CPU time or spends more time in the running state. An
I/O-bound process requires more I/O time and less CPU time. An I/O-bound process spends
more time in the waiting state.

Process planning is an integral part of the process management operating system. It refers to
the mechanism used by the operating system to determine which process to run next. The
goal of process scheduling is to improve overall system performance by maximizing CPU
utilization, minimizing execution time, and improving system response time.

Process Scheduling Algorithms

The operating system can use different scheduling algorithms to schedule processes. Here are
some commonly used timing algorithms:

 First-Come, First-Served (FCFS): This is the simplest scheduling algorithm, where

the process is executed on a first-come, first-served basis. FCFS is non-preemptive,
which means that once a process starts executing, it continues until it is finished or
waiting for I/O.

 Shortest Job First (SJF): SJF is a proactive scheduling algorithm that selects the
process with the shortest burst time. The burst time is the time a process takes to
complete its execution. SJF minimizes the average waiting time of processes.

 Round Robin (RR): Round Robin is a proactive scheduling algorithm that reserves a
fixed amount of time in a round for each process. If a process does not complete its
 execution within the specified time, it is blocked and added to the end of the queue.
RR ensures fair distribution of CPU time to all processes and avoids starvation.

 Priority Scheduling: This scheduling algorithm assigns priority to each process and
the process with the highest priority is executed first. Priority can be set based on
process type, importance, or resource requirements.

 Multilevel Queue: This scheduling algorithm divides the ready queue into several
separate queues, each queue having a different priority. Processes are queued based
on their priority, and each queue uses its own scheduling algorithm. This scheduling
algorithm is useful in scenarios where different types of processes have different
priorities.

Advantages of Process Management

 Running Multiple Programs: Process management lets you run multiple
applications at the same time, for example, listen to music while browsing the web.

 Process Isolation: It ensures that different programs don’t interfere with each other,
so a problem in one program won’t crash another.

 Fair Resource Use: It makes sure resources like CPU time and memory are shared
fairly among programs, so even lower-priority programs get a chance to run.

 Smooth Switching: It efficiently handles switching between programs, saving and

loading their states quickly to keep the system responsive and minimize delays.

Disadvantages of Process Management

 Overhead: Process management uses system resources because the OS needs to keep
track of various data structures and scheduling queues. This requires CPU time and
memory, which can affect the system’s performance.

 Complexity: Designing and maintaining an OS is complicated due to the need for

complex scheduling algorithms and resource allocation methods.

 Deadlocks: To keep processes running smoothly together, the OS uses mechanisms

like semaphores and mutex locks. However, these can lead to deadlocks, where
processes get stuck waiting for each other indefinitely.

 Increased Context Switching: In multitasking systems, the OS frequently switches

between processes. Storing and loading the state of each process (context switching)
takes time and computing power, which can slow down the system.

Conclusion
In conclusion, process management is a important function of an operating system, ensuring
that multiple programs can run smoothly and efficiently. It involves creating, scheduling, and
terminating processes, as well as managing resources and handling communication between
processes. Effective process management optimizes the use of system resources, maintains
system stability, and enhances the overall performance and responsiveness of the computer.
Understanding and implementing robust process management strategies are crucial for
maintaining an efficient and reliable computing environment.

GATE-CS-Questions on Process Management

Q.1: Which of the following need not necessarily be saved on a context switch
between processes? (GATE-CS-2000)

(A) General purpose registers

(B) Translation lookaside buffer

(C) Program counter

(D) All of the above

Answer: (B)

In a process context switch, the state of the first process must be saved somehow, so that
when the scheduler gets back to the execution of the first process, it can restore this state and
continue. The state of the process includes all the registers that the process may be using,
especially the program counter, plus any other operating system-specific data that may be
necessary. A translation look-aside buffer (TLB) is a CPU cache that memory management
hardware uses to improve virtual address translation speed. A TLB has a fixed number of
slots that contain page table entries, which map virtual addresses to physical addresses. On a
context switch, some TLB entries can become invalid, since the virtual-to-physical mapping
is different. The simplest strategy to deal with this is to completely flush the TLB.

Q.2: The time taken to switch between user and kernel modes of execution is
t1 while the time taken to switch between two processes is t2. Which of the
following is TRUE? (GATE-CS-2011)

(A) t1 > t2

(B) t1 = t2

(C) t1 < t2

(D) nothing can be said about the relation between t1 and t2.

Answer: (C)

Process switching involves a mode switch. Context switching can occur only in kernel mode.
Frequently Asked Questions on Process Management –
FAQs
Why process management is important?

Process management is important in an operating system because it ensures that all the
programs running on your computer work smoothly and efficiently.

What is the main difference between process manager and memory manager?

Processes in the system are manage by processor manager and also it is responsible for the
sharing of the CPU. whereas, memory in the system is managed by memory manager and it is
responsible also for allocation and deallocation of memory, virtual memory management, etc.

What is the difference between a process and a program?

A program is a set of instructions stored on disk (passive), while a process is an instance of

the program in execution (active). A single program can be associated with multiple processe