The Mathematics Behind the Banker’s Algorithm

Abstract

I recently lectured on the so-called ``Banker's Algorithm'' as an example of a method for deadlock prevention. Because my informal justification left my students visibly unconvinced, I designed a more explicit one while preparing my next week's lectures. This note is written because I think the argument I developed at that occasion rather nice; it is not a symptom of any revival of my interest in the Banker's Algorithm as a scheduling strategy.