In the monitor solution for dining-philosophers problem (Figure 7.7), a philosopher may start eating
A) at the end of the pickup( ) function before exiting the function.
B) in the beginning of the putdown( ) function
C) after exiting the pickup( ) function and before entering the putdown( ) function.
D) All of the above.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

According to the monitor solution, a philosopher can only start eating after successfully executing the pickup() function and acquiring both chopsticks. The putdown() function is called after the philosopher finishes eating, and it releases both chopsticks. Therefore, option B is incorrect. Option A is also incorrect because once a philosopher exits the pickup() function, they have not yet acquired both chopsticks and cannot start eating. Option C is correct because the philosopher can start eating only after acquiring both chopsticks and before releasing them in the putdown() function.

In the Monitor Solution for Dining-Philosophers Problem (Figure 7