What is the difference between synchronized and atomic operations?

Can you explain the difference between synchronized and atomic operations?

Sure! Synchronized operations ensure that only one thread can access a resource at a time, while atomic operations are indivisible and complete without interruption.

Can you give me an example of each?

Of course! A synchronized block in Java can be used to control access to a method, while an atomic variable like AtomicInteger allows for thread-safe increments without locking.

When should I use synchronized over atomic?

Use synchronized when you need to control access to multiple resources or perform complex operations. Use atomic for simple, single-variable updates.

Are there performance differences between the two?

Yes, atomic operations are generally faster since they avoid the overhead of locking, but synchronized can be necessary for more complex scenarios.