[ python-Bugs-1176467 ] Python garbage collector isn't detecting deadlocks

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Bugs item #1176467, was opened at 2005-04-04 09:29
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Category: None
Group: None
Status: Open
Resolution: None
Priority: 5
Submitted By: Nathan Marushak (nmarushak)
Assigned to: Nobody/Anonymous (nobody)
Summary: Python garbage collector isn't detecting deadlocks

Initial Comment:
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Python version: Python 2.3.3 (#1, May  7 2004, 
10:31:40)
Operating System: Linux 2.6.7-1.494.2.2smp #1 SMP 
Tue Aug 3 09:59:49 EDT 2004 i686 i686 i386 GNU/Linux

PROBLEM:
The 2.3.3 garbage collector does not appear to detect 
deadlocks that occur when 2 objects reference one 
another.  I checked the existing bug list, albeit briefly, to 
see if a similar bug had already been entered.  I did not 
find an existing entry, but I apologize if this is a 
duplicate.

I've attached a short example output file that 
demonstrates the issue.

It would be beneficial if the "gc" module could detect 
when 2 objects have no other outstanding references 
except to one another.  If modifying gc is not possible 
for some reason, then updating the Python gc 
documentation to illustrate this issue would be helpful.

WORKAROUND:
The problem can be worked around by ensuring each 
object removes the circular reference when it no longer 
needs to refer to the other object.

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