How do I implement a mutex in Java?

How do I implement a mutex in Java?

To implement a mutex in Java, you can use the ReentrantLock class from the java.util.concurrent.locks package.

Can you show me a simple example?

Sure! Here's a basic example:

import java.util.concurrent.locks.ReentrantLock;

public class MutexExample {
    private final ReentrantLock lock = new ReentrantLock();

    public void criticalSection() {
        lock.lock();
        try {
            // Critical section code here
            System.out.println("In critical section");
        } finally {
            lock.unlock();
        }
    }
}

What happens if I forget to unlock the mutex?

If you forget to unlock the mutex, it can lead to a deadlock situation where other threads are blocked indefinitely.

Are there any alternatives to using ReentrantLock?

Yes, you can also use synchronized blocks or methods, which provide a simpler way to achieve mutual exclusion.