Description: Starvation in the context of CPU scheduling refers to a situation where a process is constantly deprived of the resources it needs to execute. This occurs when an operating system allocates resources in a way that certain processes, often those with lower priority, do not receive the CPU time they require to progress. Starvation can result from scheduling policies that favor high-priority processes, leaving low-priority ones in a state of indefinite waiting. This phenomenon is problematic because it can lead to a lack of responsiveness in critical applications or negatively impact the overall performance of the system. Starvation not only affects system efficiency but can also cause frustration among users, especially in environments where multiple processes are expected to run fairly. To mitigate starvation, techniques such as promoting low-priority processes after a certain period can be implemented, ensuring that all processes have the opportunity to execute and preventing them from getting trapped in an endless waiting cycle.
