What are synchronized methods in Java?

Can you explain what synchronized methods are in Java?

Synchronized methods in Java are used to control access to a method by multiple threads. They ensure that only one thread can execute the method at a time, preventing thread interference and memory consistency errors.

Why would I need to use synchronized methods?

You would use synchronized methods to protect shared resources from being accessed by multiple threads simultaneously, which can lead to inconsistent data or unexpected behavior.

Can you give me an example of a synchronized method?

Sure! Here's a simple example:

public synchronized void increment() {
    this.count++;
}

In this example, the increment method is synchronized, ensuring that only one thread can execute it at a time.

Are there any downsides to using synchronized methods?

Yes, using synchronized methods can lead to reduced performance due to thread contention. If many threads are trying to access a synchronized method, they may be blocked, leading to longer wait times.