What are some examples of read-write lock usage?

Can you explain what a read-write lock is?

A read-write lock is a synchronization mechanism that allows concurrent access for read operations and exclusive access for write operations.

What are some practical examples of using read-write locks?

One example is in a database system where multiple threads can read data simultaneously, but only one thread can write to the database at a time.

How does it improve performance?

It improves performance by allowing multiple readers to access the data concurrently, reducing wait times compared to a standard mutex.

Are there any downsides to using read-write locks?

Yes, they can introduce complexity and potential for deadlocks if not managed properly, especially in high-contention scenarios.