Description: Thread priority determines the order in which threads are scheduled for execution. In an operating system, threads are the smallest units of processing that can be managed independently by a scheduler. Assigning priorities to threads allows the operating system to decide which thread should run at any given moment, which is crucial for system efficiency and performance. Higher-priority threads are attended to before lower-priority ones, which can be essential in applications where certain processes require immediate attention, such as in real-time systems. Thread priority management occurs in both kernel mode and user mode, although implementations and control may vary across different systems. In kernel mode, the operating system has full control over thread scheduling, allowing for more precise and efficient resource management. In user mode, applications can set priorities, but are limited by the operating system’s policies. Proper priority assignment not only improves system responsiveness but also helps avoid issues like thread starvation for lower-priority threads, ensuring that all processes have the opportunity to execute fairly and efficiently.
