What are Java deadlocks and how can I avoid them?

What are Java deadlocks and how can I avoid them?

Java deadlocks occur when two or more threads are blocked forever, each waiting for the other to release a resource. To avoid them, you can use techniques like lock ordering, timeouts, and avoiding nested locks.

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 now in a deadlock.

How can I detect deadlocks in my Java application?

You can use tools like Java VisualVM or JConsole to monitor thread states and identify deadlocks. Additionally, the Java platform provides the ThreadMXBean class to programmatically detect deadlocks.

What are some best practices to prevent deadlocks?

Best practices include using a consistent lock ordering, minimizing lock scope, and using higher-level concurrency utilities from the java.util.concurrent package.