What is a Reentrant Lock in Java?

What is a Reentrant Lock in Java?

A Reentrant Lock is a synchronization aid that allows threads to safely access shared resources. It can be locked multiple times by the same thread.

How does it differ from synchronized methods?

Unlike synchronized methods, Reentrant Locks provide more flexibility, such as the ability to interrupt a thread waiting to acquire a lock.

Can you give an example of using a Reentrant Lock?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

ReentrantLock lock = new ReentrantLock();
lock.lock();
try {
    // critical section
} finally {
    lock.unlock();
}

Are there any downsides to using Reentrant Locks?

Yes, if not used properly, they can lead to deadlocks or increased complexity in code management.