What are the differences between locks and semaphores?

What are the differences between locks and semaphores?

Locks and semaphores are both synchronization primitives used in concurrent programming, but they serve different purposes. A lock is used to ensure that only one thread can access a resource at a time, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

Can you explain how locks work in more detail?

Sure! A lock typically allows a thread to gain exclusive access to a resource. When a thread acquires a lock, other threads that try to acquire the same lock will be blocked until the lock is released.

What about semaphores? How do they differ in functionality?

Semaphores maintain a count that represents the number of available resources. When a thread acquires a semaphore, the count decreases. If the count reaches zero, other threads trying to acquire the semaphore will be blocked until a resource is released.

Are there any scenarios where one is preferred over the other?

Yes, locks are preferred when you need exclusive access to a single resource, while semaphores are better for managing access to a pool of resources.