I don't get Path based signals

[KBoogle]

Well I've been using block signals for the longest time, and I am very good at using them. I mean using the advanced ones, like the exit, combo and entry signals. But path-based signals don't have that, so I'm getting confused on how they work. I tried reading the wiki but it only confused me even further. Can someone explain to me the difference between block and path based signals, please? I'd greatly appreciate it.

[Brumi]

Well, I think I won't be able to explain path signals better than the wiki, but I recommend enabling Advanced Settings/Interface/Display options/Show reserved tracks. It helps a lot in understanding path signals.

[Eddi]

rule of thumb: remove all exit signals (or replace them with backwards-facing two-way signals), convert all other signals to (one-way, if appropriate) path signals.

[V453000 :)]

Best advice: if you can use pre-signals, do not spoil your network with PBS.

[oberhümer]

That's awful advice, PBS is always as or more efficient and needs less signals.
As for explaining it: A train behind a PBS signal will continue if there is a track ("path") with no train on it that will lead it to the next signal or end of track ("waiting point").
The difference to a regular signal is that there can be multiple trains in a signal block as long as their paths don't cross each other.
Additionally, the difference to presignals is that they don't require the next ("exit") signal to also be green before they let the train pass.

[V453000 :)]

Yes which basically means the PBS solves much more issues for the player, thus makes him think more dumb.
I have told many people to stop using PBS before, and it helped them tremendously. Whether it helps you, is up to you. I wont argue.

[oberhümer]

Not making everything unnecessarily complicated and inefficient seems like good thinking to me, but whatever.

[KBoogle]

Wait, wait, wait. It let's trains through into a block even if there's a train already there? What if that train breaks down, won't that lead to the train behind it crashing into it?

[Level Crossing]

Wait, wait, wait. It let's trains through into a block even if there's a train already there? What if that train breaks down, won't that lead to the train behind it crashing into it?

No, it only lets multiple trains pass through a block if it is sure that the paths of the trains will not intersect in the block.

Compare this to cars driving in parallel lanes on a highway: their paths do not intersect, so they are allowed to be adjacent at the same time.

Highways would be very inefficient if they used a block-signal system!

[Elukka]

Think of a typical double line with an X shaped crossing connecting the tracks. Two trains wish to pass each other on separate lines, neither has any intention of using the crossing. Under block signals they couldn't pass simultaneously as the whole area of the crossing is considered one block. Path signaling on the other hand understands the trains are going on their own separate lines and lets them pass.
Or take a terminus station: under conventional signaling, the entire station entry area with all its junctions only allows one train to go through it at once. Not so with PBS.

[KBoogle]

Ok, thanks guys I've figured them out. There was nothing to figure out, really, since all you do is just place them and the game does the rest, not like with block-based signals. Which is why I was confused, since I expected that I needed to do more thinking in placing them.

[Level Crossing]

Ok, thanks guys I've figured them out. There was nothing to figure out, really, since all you do is just place them and the game does the rest, not like with block-based signals. Which is why I was confused, since I expected that I needed to do more thinking in placing them.

Just be careful to avoid deadlocks.