Diagnose a Deadlock in a Multi-Threaded File Indexer
Overview
What this challenge is about.
Diagnose a deadlock in a multi-threaded file indexer using thread-sanitizer and helgrind, then propose fixes and write a postmortem. Get a verifiable certificate.
The scenario
The consultancy (Linux + Yocto specialists, ships firmware to roughly 80 industrial customers) inherited the indexer from a contractor who has since left.
The Brief
What you'll do, and what you'll demonstrate.
Reproduce, diagnose, and fix a thread-deadlock in a 4,000-line C indexer and write a postmortem that prevents the same class of bug.
Earning criteria — what you'll demonstrate
- Apply Coffman conditions to diagnose a real-world deadlock
- Use thread-sanitizer and helgrind to surface lock-order violations
- Distinguish minimal-change fixes from structural fixes and recommend honestly
- Write a postmortem that drives process change, not blame
Program Fit
Where this fits in your program.
Sharpens the same skills your degree expects you to demonstrate.
Operating Systems
Bachelor · Systems
Strong alignment
This challenge maps to Operating Systems at the Bachelor level. It sharpens the same practical skills your coursework expects — but in a real industry context with actual constraints and deliverables.
Skills
Skills you'll demonstrate.
Each one shows up on your verified credential.
- Synchronization
Apply synchronization to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Deadlock Analysis
Apply deadlock analysis to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- C Programming
Apply c programming to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Debugging
Apply debugging to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Concurrency
Apply concurrency to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
- Incident Analysis
Apply incident analysis to solve real industry problems and demonstrate production-level capability.
Careers
Career paths this challenge builds toward
Completing this challenge demonstrates skills that transfer directly to these roles: