Synchronization Algorithms and Concurrent Programming - Softcover

Synchronization is needed in all systems and environments where several processors (or processes) can be active at the same time. This is the case for operating systems, distributed systems, database systems, distributed computing, and multi-threading and concurrent programming languages. The different textbooks (and courses) about these systems and programming languages, all include at least one chapter (two lectures) about synchronization algorithms. This book studies synchronization techniques and algorithms, and concurrent programming concepts. It is suitable for use as core reading for courses on synchronization algorithms and/or concurrent programming. It is also ideal additional reading for courses such as distributed computing (covering many relevant topics in detail) and operating systems,when there is an interest in expanding the coverage and devoting more time to the subject of synchronization.

Synchronization Algorithms and Concurrent Programming

Gadi Taubenfeld

Synchronization is a fundamental challenge in computer science. It is fast becoming a major performance and design issue for concurrent programming on modern architectures, and for the design of distributed systems. This is the first text to give a complete and coherent view of all aspects of synchronization algorithms.

Computer science students, programmers, system designers and researchers will be able to solve problems and master techniques that go beyond the treatment provided in introductory texts on operating systems, distributed computing and concurrency. Dozens of algorithms are presented and their performance is analyzed according to precise complexity measures.

Highlights of the book include

Ø A wide variety of synchronization problems, algorithms and key concepts covered in detail.

Ø Self-review questions with solutions to check your understanding.

Ø A wealth of end-of-chapter exercises and bibliographic notes.

Ø Over 300 annotated references guiding you through the contemporary research literature.

Ø A companion website provides PowerPoint slides and other teaching and learning aids for students and instructors at www.pearsoned.co.uk/taubenfeld.

About the author

Gadi Taubenfeld is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzliya, Israel. He is an established authority in the area of concurrent and distributed computing and has published widely in leading journals and conferences. He was the head of the computer science division at Israel?s Open University; member of technical staff at AT&T Bell Laboratories; consultant to AT&T Labs - Research; and a research scientist and lecturer at Yale University. He holds a PhD in Computer Science from the Technion ? Israel Institute of Technology.