What are the best practices for implementing distributed locks?

What are the best practices for implementing distributed locks?

When implementing distributed locks, consider using a reliable locking mechanism like Zookeeper or Redis. Ensure that your locks are lightweight and have a timeout to prevent deadlocks.

How do I handle lock timeouts effectively?

To handle lock timeouts, set a reasonable expiration time for your locks. If a process fails to release the lock within that time, it should be automatically released to avoid blocking other processes.

Can you explain the difference between optimistic and pessimistic locking?

Optimistic locking assumes that conflicts are rare and checks for conflicts before committing changes, while pessimistic locking locks resources upfront to prevent conflicts.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid with distributed locks?

Common pitfalls include not handling lock failures, using locks that are too long-lived, and not considering network partitions.