Race conditions occur when a system tries to process multiple operations simultaneously, but they are not aligned in the correct sequence, leading to errors and system shutdown. Multitasking devices have a hierarchy of functions, and a race condition occurs when operations compete to complete before others. Data processing is a common example. Priorities in operational protocols can limit the development of race conditions.
Race conditions have to do with attempts by a system or an individual device to engage in multitasking. Typically, a race condition exists when the system tries to process two or more different operations at the same time, but is unable to do so. The reason for the error is that the operations are not aligned in the correct sequence, a circumstance can lead to system shutdown.
While many different devices are configured to allow multitasking, there is still an internal process that creates a hierarchy of functions. For certain functions to take place, other functions must be performed beforehand. Although the end user perceives that all functions may appear to occur simultaneously, this is not necessarily the case.
A race condition is created when two or more operations compete with each other to complete before the other operations. When all individual functions are arranged correctly, this leads to the successful execution of all functions in a timely manner. However, if the sequence of operations is unbalanced, a bottleneck is created. In the worst-case scenario, the race condition will make it impossible for the system to continue its attempt to process all functions in the currently committed order. Since the system may need to process the fifth function in the string before the first and second functions can complete, the entire string must be broken and re-established in the correct order.
A common example of a race condition has to do with data processing. If a system receives commands to read existing data while writing new data, this can lead to a conflict that causes the system to crash in some way. The system may display some type of error message if the amount of data being processed has taken a toll on available resources, or the system may simply shut down. When this happens, it’s usually a good idea to restart the system and start the sequence again. If there is a large amount of data being processed, it may be best to allow the ingestion of the new data to complete before attempting to read any of the currently stored data.
Many systems avoid the possibility of a race condition by setting priorities in operational protocols. Priorities are set to work well within the capabilities of the system and thus limit the ability of a race condition to develop.
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