What does "Deadlocks" mean?
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A deadlock happens when two or more processes can't continue because they're waiting on each other to release resources. Imagine two people trying to pass through a narrow doorway from opposite sides. Both are stuck because neither can move without the other stepping aside.
How Deadlocks Occur
Deadlocks often happen in computer systems when processes need certain resources to work, like memory or data. If Process A holds a resource that Process B needs while also waiting for a resource from Process B, neither can proceed. This situation can freeze the system, stopping all involved processes.
Preventing Deadlocks
To avoid deadlocks, systems can use various strategies. These include:
- Resource Allocation Order: Processes request resources in a specific order to minimize chances of circular waiting.
- Timeouts: If a process waits too long for a resource, it will give up and retry later.
- Detection and Recovery: The system checks for deadlocks and can terminate one of the processes involved to resolve the issue.
Conclusion
Deadlocks are a critical issue in computing that can significantly affect system performance. Understanding how they happen and applying methods to prevent or deal with them is essential for smooth operations.