BCA / B.Tech 10 min read

Batch Processing in Operating System

Batch Processing in Operating System:


Batch Processing is a data processing technique where a group (batch) of data or tasks is collected and then processed together at one time. This technique is useful in situations where a large amount of data or tasks needs to be processed without any immediate intervention. The technique of batch processing has been prevalent mainly since the time of old mainframe computers, but it is still used today in large organizations and industrial processes.

Batch processing is a significant and useful technique designed to process a large volume of data or tasks simultaneously. It is highly beneficial in terms of efficiency, automation, and resource management. However, due to its lack of immediate response and delays, it is not considered suitable for tasks where immediacy is required.

Process of Batch Processing:

  • Data Collection: First, data or tasks coming from various users or systems are collected into large batches or groups.
  • Execution: All tasks or data for batch processing are processed together. This process is usually done when the system load is low, such as at night.
  • Results: Once batch processing is complete, the results are prepared, which can be viewed by users later or sent to other processes.

Uses of Batch Processing:

  • Financial transactions in large organizations.
  • Payroll Processing.
  • Tax calculation.
  • Data backup.
  • Industrial production.

Advantages of Batch Processing:

  • High Efficiency: Processing a large amount of data at once makes maximum use of the system.
  • Automation: Batch processing works automatically without human intervention.
  • Time-Saving: Completing a large number of tasks at once saves time compared to doing each task separately.
  • Cost-Efficient: Efficiency in resources leads to lower electricity and computing resource requirements.
  • Efficient Resource Utilization: System resources are used when the load is low, preventing waste.

Disadvantages of Batch Processing:

  • Lack of Immediate Response: Since execution happens after collection, immediate results are not available.
  • Delays: Execution begins only when enough tasks or data are collected, so some tasks have to wait.
  • Complex Management: Managing large batches and ensuring all tasks are executed correctly can be complex.
  • Difficult Error Resolution: If an error occurs during batch processing, the entire batch can be affected.
  • Complex Initial Setup: Setting up a batch processing system can be complex and requires expertise.

In this Chapter

Batch Processing in Operating System
Distributed System in Operating System
Real-Time System in Operating System
System Calls in Operating System
System Programs in Operating System
Structure of an Operating System
Layered Design of an Operating System Structure
UNIX in Operating System
Virtual Machine in Operating System
Kernel-Based Operating System
Process Concept in Operating System
Interacting Processes in Operating System
Threads in Operating System
Fundamentals of Scheduling in Operating System
Scheduling Criteria in Operating System
Long, Medium, and Short-Term Scheduling
Scheduling Algorithms in Operating System
Structure of a Concurrent System
Critical Region in Operating System
Critical Section in Operating System
Inter-process Communication (IPC) in Operating System
Monitors in Operating System
Semaphores in Operating System
Semaphore Implementation & Uses in Operating System
Logical and Physical Address in Operating System
Swapping in Operating System
Contiguous Allocation in Operating System
Segmentation in Operating System
Paging in Operating System
Virtual Memory using Segmentation in Operating System
Interprocess Communication Protocol in Operating System
Network Operating System
Design Issues in Distributed File System
Network Structure in Operating System
Structure of a Distributed System
File System and Coordination in Operating System
History of Linux in Operating System
Linux Commands
Programmer Interface & File Manipulation in Linux
Process Control in Linux
Kernel & Signals in Linux
File System in Linux
Blocks and Inodes in Linux
System Editors in Linux
Character Transliteration in Linux
The `ed` Line Editor in Linux
The `vi` Editor and Its Commands
Shell Scripting in Linux
Looping & Decision Making in Linux Shell Scripting
Variables & File Name Expansion in Linux
Arrays in Linux Shell Scripting
Subprograms (Functions) in Linux Shell Scripting
C Interface with Linux
Simple Shell Programs in Linux
BCA Part-1 | Operating Systems | Semester-I | MDSU Exam Paper 2023 (Held in 2024)
What is an Operating System (OS)
Operating System (OS) All Important Questions and Answers in English (MDSU)
BCA || Operating System 2025 Paper || MDSU Exam Paper
BCA | OS(Operating System) 2023 Paper | MDSU Exam Paper
Types of Operating Systems
Goals of an Operating System
Operations of an Operating System
Resource Allocation & Functions in an Operating System
Classes of Operating System
Multiprocessing in Operating System
Time-Sharing in Operating System