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Trace the sequence of events when all philosophers simultaneously pick up their left fork first in the Dining Philosophers problem. What is the immediate consequence?

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Operating Systems - Dining Philosophers - Problem, Deadlock & Solution
Trace the sequence of events when all philosophers simultaneously pick up their left fork first in the Dining Philosophers problem. What is the immediate consequence?
AAll philosophers eat simultaneously without conflict
BStarvation occurs because some philosophers never get to pick up forks
CDeadlock occurs because each philosopher holds one fork and waits for the other
DThe system recovers automatically as forks are released in order
Step-by-Step Solution

  1. Step 1: Understand the initial action

    Each philosopher picks up their left fork simultaneously, so all forks on the left side are held.

  2. Step 2: Analyze waiting condition

    Each philosopher now waits for the right fork, which is held by their neighbor, creating a circular wait.

  3. Step 3: Identify the system state

    This circular wait with no forks released leads to deadlock.

  4. Final Answer:

    Option C -> Option C

  5. Quick Check:

    Deadlock arises immediately due to circular wait and mutual exclusion.
Quick Trick: All pick left fork first -> circular wait -> deadlock [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming philosophers can eat simultaneously
  • Confusing deadlock with starvation
  • Believing system recovers automatically without intervention
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Option A ignores the circular wait; Option C confuses deadlock with starvation; Option D incorrectly assumes automatic recovery without explicit protocol.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests understanding of how deadlock manifests step-by-step in the Dining Philosophers problem.
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