What are the differences between synchronized and atomic variables?

What are the differences between synchronized and atomic variables?

Synchronized variables are used to control access to a block of code or an object, ensuring that only one thread can access it at a time. Atomic variables, on the other hand, provide a way to perform operations on a variable atomically, meaning they are completed in a single step without interference from other threads.

Can you give an example of when to use each?

Sure! Use synchronized variables when you need to protect a critical section of code that modifies shared resources. Use atomic variables for simple operations like incrementing a counter where you want to avoid locking overhead.

What are the performance implications of using each?

Synchronized variables can introduce more overhead due to locking, which can lead to contention and reduced performance. Atomic variables are generally faster for simple operations since they avoid the overhead of locking.

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

Yes, if you need to perform complex operations that involve multiple steps, synchronized variables are preferred. For simple, single-step operations, atomic variables are usually the better choice.