The classification of deadlock prevention and avoidance is erroneous

Abstract

Mechanisms to control resource deadlock are frequently classified as prevention or avoidance schemes. The prevention schemes are listed as those that directly negate the necessary preconditions of resource deadlock. The avoidance schemes, although they obviously also prevent deadlock, are described as not addressing the preconditions for the occurrence of deadlock.We claim that this classification is erroneous. Typically, the necessary preconditions for resource deadlock that are provided are incomplete. Once all of the preconditions are examined, it is obvious that "deadlock avoidance" does indeed negate a precondition.