What are locks and semaphores in programming?

What are locks and semaphores in programming?

Locks and semaphores are synchronization primitives used to manage access to shared resources in concurrent programming.

How do locks work in a multithreaded environment?

Locks prevent multiple threads from accessing a resource simultaneously, ensuring data integrity.

Can you explain the difference between a lock and a semaphore?

Sure! A lock allows only one thread to access a resource, while a semaphore can allow multiple threads, up to a defined limit.

When should I use a semaphore instead of a lock?

Use a semaphore when you need to control access to a resource that can be used by multiple threads simultaneously, like a pool of connections.