What are Java locks and how do they work?

What are Java locks and how do they work?

Java locks are synchronization mechanisms that control access to shared resources in concurrent programming.

Can you explain the difference between intrinsic locks and explicit locks?

Intrinsic locks are built into Java's synchronized methods and blocks, while explicit locks are provided by the java.util.concurrent.locks package.

When should I use explicit locks over intrinsic locks?

Use explicit locks when you need more control over the locking mechanism, such as trying to acquire a lock without blocking.

Are there any performance considerations I should be aware of?

Yes, explicit locks can offer better performance in high contention scenarios, but they also add complexity to your code.