Semaphore (disambiguation)

A semaphore can refer to different concepts depending on the context. In computer science, it's a signaling mechanism used to control access to shared resources, preventing conflicts in concurrent processes. In communication, especially historically, a semaphore is a system of visual signals, like flags or signals on towers, used to transmit messages over distances. Essentially, both involve sending signals—either digital signals in programming or visual signals in communication—to coordinate or convey information effectively. The term "disambiguation" clarifies these different meanings to avoid confusion.