What are the differences between distributed locks and local locks?

What are the differences between distributed locks and local locks?

Distributed locks are used in a networked environment to manage access to shared resources across multiple nodes, while local locks are used within a single process or thread to control access to resources.

Can you give me an example of when to use a distributed lock?

Sure! If you have a microservices architecture where multiple services need to access a shared database, a distributed lock can ensure that only one service modifies the data at a time.

What are the downsides of using distributed locks?

Some downsides include increased complexity, potential performance bottlenecks, and the risk of deadlocks if not managed properly.

How do local locks perform compared to distributed locks?

Local locks generally perform better since they operate within a single process, avoiding network latency and overhead associated with distributed systems.

Are there any libraries you recommend for implementing distributed locks?

Yes, popular libraries include Redisson for Redis, Zookeeper for coordination, and etcd for distributed key-value storage.