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pattern Semaphore semaphore /patterns/semaphore/ Concurrency
Performance

Also known as

Counting Semaphore

Intent

Create a lock which mediates access to a pool of resources. Only a limited number of threads, specified at the creation of the semaphore, can access the resources at any given time. A semaphore which only allows one concurrent access to a resource is called a binary semaphore.

Class diagram

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Applicability

Use a Semaphore when

  • You have a pool of resources to allocate to different threads
  • Concurrent access to a resource could lead to a race condition

Credits