What are reader-writer locks and how do they work?

What are reader-writer locks and how do they work?

Reader-writer locks are synchronization primitives that allow concurrent access to a shared resource. They differentiate between read and write operations, enabling multiple readers to access the resource simultaneously while ensuring exclusive access for writers.

Can you explain the difference between a reader lock and a writer lock?

Sure! A reader lock allows multiple threads to read a resource at the same time, while a writer lock ensures that only one thread can write to the resource, blocking all other readers and writers until the write operation is complete.

When should I use reader-writer locks instead of regular locks?

Use reader-writer locks when you have a high frequency of read operations compared to write operations. They improve performance by allowing concurrent reads, which can be more efficient than using a standard lock that would block all access.

Are there any downsides to using reader-writer locks?

Yes, one downside is the potential for writer starvation, where writers may be delayed indefinitely if there are always active readers. Additionally, managing reader-writer locks can be more complex than using simple locks.