Tips to prevent deadlocks in java

java multithreading deadlock
iberck picture iberck · May 27, 2013 · Viewed 71.9k times · Source

I am studying java threads and deadlocks, I understand deadlock's examples but I wonder if there are general rules to follow to prevent it.

My question is if there are rules or tips that can be applied to the source code in java to prevent deadlocks? If yes, could you explain how to implement it?

Answer

JB Nizet picture JB Nizet · May 27, 2013

Some quick tips out of my head

  • don't use multiple threads (like Swing does, for example, by mandating that everything is done in the EDT)
  • don't hold several locks at once. If you do, always acquire the locks in the same order
  • don't execute foreign code while holding a lock
  • use interruptible locks

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