A method for managing requests for deferred updates to shared data
elements while minimizing grace period detection overhead associated with
determining whether pre-existing references to the data elements have
been removed. Plural update requests that are eligible for grace period
detection are buffered without performing grace period detection
processing. One or more conditions that could warrant commencement of
grace period detection processing are monitored while the update requests
are buffered. If warranted by such a condition, grace period detection is
performed relative to the update requests so that they can be processed.
In this way, grace period detection overhead can be amortized over plural
update requests while being sensitive to conditions warranting prompt
grace period detection.