How can we ensure data consistency in shared memory systems?

How can we ensure data consistency in shared memory systems?

To ensure data consistency in shared memory systems, you can use synchronization mechanisms like locks, semaphores, or barriers.

What are the trade-offs of using locks for synchronization?

Using locks can prevent race conditions, but they may lead to issues like deadlocks and reduced performance due to contention.

Are there alternatives to locks for maintaining consistency?

Yes, alternatives include lock-free data structures, transactional memory, and using atomic operations.

How do atomic operations work in this context?

Atomic operations are indivisible actions that complete in a single step relative to other threads, ensuring consistency without locks.