(a) In an environment where several users share access to a single database, can one user ever block another’s access for an unlimited period of time? (This situation is called an indefinite postponement.) (b) Describe a scenario in which two users could cause the indefinite postponement of each other. (c) Describe a scenario in which a single user could cause the indefinite postponement of all users.

What will be an ideal response?

Indefinite postponement is also known as deadlock. It occurs when one task holds a resource being waited for by a second task, and the second holds a resource being waited for by the first. Because each is waiting for the other, neither will ever release its resource and allow the other to proceed.