What is the difference between synchronized methods and synchronized blocks in Java?

What is the difference between synchronized methods and synchronized blocks in Java?

Synchronized methods lock the entire method, while synchronized blocks lock only a specific section of code.

When should I use synchronized blocks instead of synchronized methods?

Use synchronized blocks when you need finer control over the locking mechanism, improving performance.

Can you give an example of a synchronized block?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

synchronized(this) {
    // critical section code
}

Are there any downsides to using synchronized methods?

Yes, synchronized methods can lead to performance bottlenecks if they are overused, as they block other threads.