Gantt chart
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processarrivalburstremaining
A04
B13
C25
D32
AlgoPlus//structures / scheduling
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CPU Scheduling

One CPU, many processes — the policy decides who runs next.

Policy
Round-Robin (q=2)
Clock
0
Running
Policy
Legend
Running process
Idle CPU
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In a nutshell
A computer's CPU can run only one program at a time, so when several are waiting, a scheduling policy decides who goes next. First-Come First-Served runs them in arrival order; Shortest Job First runs the quickest one first to cut average waiting; Round-Robin gives each a small fixed time slice and rotates so everyone stays responsive. The choice is always a trade-off between speed, fairness, and responsiveness.
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The CPU can run one process at a time — the scheduling policy decides the order, trading off waiting time, fairness, and responsiveness.
Key terms
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