Multilevel feedback queue

In computer science, a multilevel feedback queue is a scheduling algorithm. Scheduling algorithms are designed to have some process running at all times to keep the central processing unit (CPU) busy. The multilevel feedback queue extends standard algorithms with the following design requirements:

1. Separate processes into multiple ready queues based on their need for the processor.
2. Give preference to processes with short CPU bursts.
3. Give preference to processes with high I/O bursts. (I/O bound processes will sleep in the wait queue to give other processes CPU time.)

The multilevel feedback queue was first developed by Fernando J. Corbató (1962). For this accomplishment, the Association for Computing Machinery awarded Corbató the Turing Award.