Definition of FCFS

First Come, First Served (FCFS) is a scheduling algorithm used in computing and data processing. In FCFS, tasks are executed in the order they arrive, with the first task received being the first one to be completed. This straightforward approach ensures fairness and simplicity in task management.

Origin of FCFS

The concept of FCFS dates back to the early days of computing, where simplicity was paramount due to limited processing power and resources. As computers evolved, FCFS remained a fundamental scheduling algorithm due to its ease of implementation and predictability. It forms the basis for more complex scheduling algorithms used in modern operating systems.

Practical Application of FCFS

One practical application of FCFS is in disk scheduling. When multiple processes or users request access to a disk drive simultaneously, FCFS ensures that requests are serviced in the order they are received. This prevents any single user or process from monopolizing the disk and provides fair access to all.

Benefits of FCFS

Simplicity: FCFS is easy to understand and implement, making it suitable for various applications and environments.

Fairness: Since tasks are executed in the order they arrive, FCFS ensures fairness by treating all tasks equally, regardless of their priority or complexity.

Predictability: The deterministic nature of FCFS makes it predictable, allowing users and system administrators to anticipate task execution times accurately.

Low Overhead: FCFS has minimal overhead compared to more complex scheduling algorithms, making it efficient in terms of computational resources.

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