Detecting Data Races in Sequential Programs with DIOTA

Abstract

In this paper we show that data races, a type of bug that generally only causes havoc in parallel programs, can also occur in sequential programs that use signal handlers. Fortunately, it turns out that adapting existing data race detectors to detect such bugs for sequential programs is straightforward. We present such a tool, and we describe the modifications that were necessary to detect data races in sequential programs. The experimental evaluation revealed a number of data races in some widely used programs.