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Trace the sequence of events when two processes enter a deadlock state due to resource allocation. What happens immediately after both processes hold one resource and wait for the other?

easy🧠🧾 Concept Trace Q12 of Q15
Operating Systems - Starvation vs Deadlock vs Livelock - Differences & Examples
Trace the sequence of events when two processes enter a deadlock state due to resource allocation. What happens immediately after both processes hold one resource and wait for the other?
ABoth processes remain blocked indefinitely, waiting for the other to release the resource.
BBoth processes release their held resources and retry immediately.
CThe operating system preempts one process to break the deadlock automatically.
DBoth processes enter a livelock, continuously retrying without progress.
Step-by-Step Solution
  1. Step 1: Understand deadlock conditions

    Deadlock occurs when each process holds a resource and waits for the other, causing indefinite blocking.
  2. Step 2: Analyze the immediate aftermath

    Neither process releases resources voluntarily, so both remain blocked indefinitely (both processes remain blocked indefinitely, waiting for the other to release the resource). Both processes releasing their held resources and retrying immediately is incorrect because processes do not release resources spontaneously. The operating system preempting one process to break the deadlock automatically is incorrect as OS preemption is not automatic in typical deadlock. Both processes entering a livelock, continuously retrying without progress describes livelock, which involves active state changes, not blocking.
  3. Final Answer:

    Option A -> Option A
  4. Quick Check:

    Deadlock means indefinite waiting without resource release, matching both processes remain blocked indefinitely, waiting for the other to release the resource.
Quick Trick: Deadlock = processes stuck waiting forever
Common Mistakes:
MISTAKES
  • Assuming OS automatically resolves deadlock
  • Confusing deadlock with livelock
Trap Explanation:
PITFALL
  • Option C is tempting because some systems can detect deadlock, but automatic preemption is not guaranteed. Option D confuses livelock with deadlock.
Interviewer Note:
CONTEXT
  • Tests candidate's understanding of deadlock behavior and process states.
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