How do I use ReentrantLock in Java?

How do I use ReentrantLock in Java?

ReentrantLock is a part of the java.util.concurrent package. It provides a way to implement locking in a more flexible way than synchronized blocks. Would you like to see a code example?

Yes, please provide a code example.

Sure! Here's a simple example:

import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;

public class Counter {
    private int count = 0;
    private final ReentrantLock lock = new ReentrantLock();

    public void increment() {
        lock.lock();
        try {
            count++;
        } finally {
            lock.unlock();
        }
    }

    public int getCount() {
        return count;
    }
}

This code demonstrates how to use ReentrantLock to safely increment a counter in a multi-threaded environment.

What are the advantages of using ReentrantLock over synchronized?

ReentrantLock offers several advantages: it allows for more flexible locking mechanisms, supports tryLock for non-blocking attempts, and provides features like timed lock waits and interruptible lock waits.

Are there any downsides to using ReentrantLock?

Yes, the main downside is that it requires more careful handling of lock management, as forgetting to unlock can lead to deadlocks. Additionally, it may introduce more complexity compared to using synchronized blocks.