What is a Java deadlock and how can I prevent it?

What is a Java deadlock and how can I prevent it?

A Java deadlock occurs when two or more threads are blocked forever, each waiting on the other. To prevent it, you can use techniques like avoiding nested locks, using a timeout when trying to acquire a lock, or using a lock hierarchy.

Can you give me an example of a deadlock situation?

Sure! Imagine Thread A holds Lock 1 and needs Lock 2 to proceed, while Thread B holds Lock 2 and needs Lock 1. They are stuck waiting for each other.

How can I detect a deadlock in my Java application?

You can use tools like Java VisualVM or JConsole to monitor thread states. If you see threads in a blocked state waiting for each other, you likely have a deadlock.

What are some best practices to avoid deadlocks?

Some best practices include always acquiring locks in a consistent order, using tryLock with a timeout, and minimizing the scope of synchronized blocks.