What is the difference between livelock and deadlock?

What is the difference between livelock and deadlock?

Deadlock occurs when two or more processes are unable to proceed because each is waiting for the other to release resources. Livelock, on the other hand, happens when processes continuously change states in response to each other without making progress.

Can you give me an example of each?

Sure! In a deadlock, imagine two printers and two computers where each computer is holding a printer and waiting for the other. In a livelock, think of two people trying to pass each other in a narrow hallway, constantly stepping aside for the other but never getting past.

How can we prevent deadlock?

Deadlock can be prevented by ensuring that at least one of the necessary conditions for deadlock cannot hold, such as avoiding circular wait or implementing resource allocation strategies.

What tools can help detect livelock?

Tools like performance monitoring software can help detect livelock by analyzing process states and resource usage to identify patterns that indicate livelock.