What are the differences between semaphores and locks?

What are the differences between semaphores and locks?

Semaphores and locks are both synchronization primitives used in concurrent programming, but they serve different purposes. A lock is a mechanism that allows only one thread to access a resource at a time, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads to access a limited number of resources.

Can you explain how semaphores work?

Sure! A semaphore maintains a count that represents the number of available resources. When a thread wants to access a resource, it decrements the count. If the count is zero, the thread must wait until a resource is released and the count is incremented.

What are some use cases for using locks?

Locks are commonly used when you need to protect shared data from being accessed by multiple threads simultaneously, such as updating a shared variable or writing to a file.

Are there any downsides to using semaphores?

Yes, semaphores can lead to complexity in managing resource counts and can cause issues like deadlocks if not handled properly. It's important to design your system carefully.