What is thread starvation in multithreading?

What is thread starvation in multithreading?

Thread starvation occurs when one or more threads are perpetually denied access to resources they need to execute, often due to resource contention.

What causes thread starvation?

It can be caused by improper thread scheduling, high-priority threads monopolizing resources, or insufficient resources for lower-priority threads.

How does thread starvation affect application performance?

It can lead to increased latency, reduced throughput, and can cause some threads to be unresponsive, negatively impacting user experience.

Can thread starvation be prevented?

Yes, it can be mitigated by using fair scheduling algorithms, prioritizing resource allocation, and ensuring adequate resources are available.

What are some examples of thread starvation in real-world applications?

Examples include web servers where high-priority requests block lower-priority ones, or gaming applications where background tasks are starved of CPU time.