Difference between Counting and Binary Semaphores

Question

What is the difference between Counting and binary semaphore.

What I have seen somewhere is that both can control N number of processes which have requested for a r

Answer 1

The most basic difference between counting and binary semaphore is that:

1. Binary semaphore cannot handle Bounded wait as its just a variable that hold binary value. Counting semaphore It can handle bounded wait as it has converted a variable into a structure with a Queue.

2. Strcuture implementation Binary semaphore: int s;

   Counting Semaphore: Struct S { int s; Queue q; }

Using the counting semaphore now process once gained the CS(Critical Section) now has to wait for the other to get the CS, so not a single process strave. Each process get a chance for CS.