Timing Wheels
21 days ago
- #data-structures
- #timers
- #linux-kernel
- Introduction to the fifth chapter of 'The Secret World of Data Structures and Algorithms' focusing on timers.
- Discussion on the evolution of timekeeping from hourglasses to quartz clocks.
- Explanation of software timer modules and timing wheels for efficient timer management.
- Overview of the classic Linux timer wheel implementation and its modern variant.
- Historical context of timers, including hourglasses and water clocks (clepsydra).
- Transition from mechanical timers to quartz clocks due to their stability and accuracy.
- Introduction to timer modules in computers, starting with ENIAC and EDVAC.
- Modern applications of timers in operating systems, networking, and embedded systems.
- Detailed explanation of timing wheels as a data structure for managing timers.
- Comparison of old and new Linux kernel timer wheel implementations, highlighting improvements and trade-offs.