What are volatile variables in Java?

Can you explain what volatile variables are in Java?

Sure! In Java, a volatile variable is a variable that is declared with the keyword 'volatile'. It tells the JVM that the value of the variable may be changed by different threads.

Why would I use a volatile variable instead of a regular variable?

Using a volatile variable ensures that any thread reading the variable sees the most recent write by any other thread. This is crucial in multi-threaded programming to avoid stale data.

Can you give me an example of how to use a volatile variable?

Certainly! Here's a simple example:

public class Example {
    private volatile boolean running = true;

    public void stop() {
        running = false;
    }

    public void run() {
        while (running) {
            // do something
        }
    }
}

Are there any downsides to using volatile variables?

Yes, while volatile variables help with visibility, they do not provide atomicity. For complex operations, you might still need synchronization.