AtomicReference vs Synchronized: Which to Use?

What's the difference between AtomicReference and synchronized in Java?

AtomicReference is a class that provides atomic operations on object references, while synchronized is a keyword that ensures that a method or block of code is accessed by only one thread at a time.

When should I use AtomicReference instead of synchronized?

Use AtomicReference when you need non-blocking thread-safe operations, especially for simple updates. Synchronized is better for complex operations that require multiple steps.

Can you give me an example of using AtomicReference?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

AtomicReference<String> atomicString = new AtomicReference<>("initial");
atomicString.set("updated");
String current = atomicString.get();

Are there any performance differences between the two?

Yes, AtomicReference can be more performant in scenarios with high contention, as it avoids the overhead of locking. However, synchronized can be more straightforward for complex operations.