Ostrich algorithm

In computer science, the "Ostrich" algorithm is not an algorithm, but rather a strategy of ignoring potential problems on the basis that they may be exceeingly rare - "to stick your head in the sand and pretend that there is no problem". This assumes that it is more cost-effective to allow the problem to occur than to attempt its prevention.

This approach may be used in dealing with deadlocks in concurrent programming if deadlocks are believed to be very rare, and if the cost of detection or prevention is high. Most modern operating systems such as Unix and Microsoft Windows take this approach.

Trade-offs

• convenience
• correctness