What are deadlocks in Python and how can I prevent them?

What are deadlocks in Python and how can I prevent them?

Deadlocks occur when two or more threads are blocked forever, each waiting on the other to release a resource. To prevent them, you can use techniques like resource ordering, timeouts, or avoiding nested locks.

Can you give me an example of a deadlock situation?

Sure! Imagine two threads: Thread A holds Resource 1 and waits for Resource 2, while Thread B holds Resource 2 and waits for Resource 1. This creates a deadlock.

How can I detect a deadlock in my Python application?

You can use the threading module's Thread class along with a timeout to check if a thread is still active. Additionally, tools like py-spy can help visualize thread states.

Are there any libraries that can help manage deadlocks?

Yes, libraries like concurrent.futures and multiprocessing provide higher-level abstractions that can help manage resources and reduce the risk of deadlocks.