What are Java locks and how do they work?

What are Java locks and how do they work?

Java locks are synchronization mechanisms that control access to shared resources in concurrent programming. They help prevent thread interference and memory consistency errors.

Can you explain the difference between ReentrantLock and synchronized blocks?

Sure! ReentrantLock is a more flexible locking mechanism that allows for features like try-lock and timed lock, while synchronized blocks are simpler but less flexible.

When should I use ReentrantLock instead of synchronized?

You should use ReentrantLock when you need advanced features like fairness policies, or when you want to avoid blocking the thread indefinitely.

Are there any performance considerations when using locks?

Yes, using locks can introduce overhead and may lead to contention if many threads are trying to acquire the same lock. It's important to minimize the scope of locked code.

Can you give an example of using a ReentrantLock in code?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

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