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If all philosophers pick up their left fork simultaneously and then wait for the right fork, what is the immediate system state?

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Operating Systems - Dining Philosophers - Problem, Deadlock & Solution
If all philosophers pick up their left fork simultaneously and then wait for the right fork, what is the immediate system state?
AAll philosophers are eating simultaneously
BSome philosophers eat while others wait
CDeadlock occurs as each holds one fork and waits indefinitely
DSystem recovers automatically due to timeout
Step-by-Step Solution
Solution:

  1. Step 1: Trace resource acquisition

    Each philosopher holds their left fork, so all forks are held once.

  2. Step 2: Analyze waiting

    Each waits for the right fork, which is held by neighbor, causing circular wait.

  3. Step 3: Resulting state

    No philosopher can proceed; system is deadlocked.

  4. Final Answer:

    Option C -> Option C

  5. Quick Check:

    All hold one fork, waiting for another -> deadlock [OK]
Quick Trick: Holding one resource and waiting for another causes deadlock [OK]
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming some philosophers can eat anyway
  • Believing system recovers without intervention
  • Confusing deadlock with starvation
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Candidates often underestimate circular wait leading to deadlock, thinking partial progress is possible.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests understanding of deadlock manifestation in Dining Philosophers.
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