How does a read-write lock work?

Can you explain how a read-write lock works?

Sure! A read-write lock allows multiple readers or a single writer to access a resource, ensuring data integrity.

What happens when a writer is active?

When a writer is active, no other readers or writers can access the resource until the writer is done.

How does it improve performance?

It improves performance by allowing concurrent reads, which is beneficial when reads are more frequent than writes.

Are there any downsides to using read-write locks?

Yes, potential downsides include complexity and the risk of writer starvation if readers keep coming.

Can you give an example of where I might use a read-write lock?

Certainly! You might use a read-write lock in a database system where many users read data but only a few update it.