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Which of the following resource acquisition orders can prevent deadlock in the Dining Philosophers problem?

easy🔍 Pattern Recognition Q2 of Q15
Operating Systems - Dining Philosophers - Problem, Deadlock & Solution
Which of the following resource acquisition orders can prevent deadlock in the Dining Philosophers problem?
AEach philosopher picks up the left fork first, then the right fork
BPhilosophers pick up forks in a random order each time
COne philosopher picks up the right fork first, others pick up the left fork first
DAll philosophers pick up both forks simultaneously
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Understand deadlock cause

    Deadlock arises when all philosophers hold one fork and wait for the other, causing circular wait.

  2. Step 2: Analyze options

    Each philosopher picks up the left fork first, then the right fork causes circular wait; Philosophers pick up forks in a random order each time is nondeterministic and can deadlock; All philosophers pick up both forks simultaneously is impossible as forks are shared resources.

  3. Step 3: Why One philosopher picks up the right fork first, others pick up the left fork first works

    Breaking symmetry by having one philosopher pick forks in reverse order breaks circular wait, preventing deadlock.

  4. Final Answer:

    Option C -> Option C

  5. Quick Check:

    Asymmetric fork picking breaks circular wait [OK]
Quick Trick: Breaking symmetry in resource order prevents deadlock [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming random order avoids deadlock
  • Believing simultaneous pickup is possible
  • Thinking uniform order is safe
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often think random or uniform order is safe, missing that breaking circular wait requires asymmetric ordering.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Checks understanding of deadlock prevention via resource ordering.
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