How do I choose between locks and atomic operations?

I'm working on a multi-threaded application. Should I use locks or atomic operations for synchronization?

It depends on your specific use case. Locks are great for complex data structures, while atomic operations are faster for simple variables.

What are the performance implications of using locks versus atomic operations?

Locks can introduce overhead due to context switching and potential deadlocks, while atomic operations are generally faster but limited in functionality.

Can you give me an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use locks when you need to protect a shared resource like a list or map. Use atomic operations for counters or flags where you only need to update a single variable.

Are there any scenarios where locks are preferred over atomic operations?

Yes, if you need to perform multiple operations atomically on a complex data structure, locks are the better choice.