What is the difference between lock-free and lock-based queues?

Can you explain the difference between lock-free and lock-based queues?

Sure! Lock-based queues use locks to manage access, while lock-free queues allow multiple threads to operate without locks.

What are the advantages of using lock-free queues?

Lock-free queues can reduce contention and improve performance in multi-threaded environments, especially under high load.

Are there any downsides to using lock-free queues?

Yes, they can be more complex to implement and may lead to issues like starvation if not designed carefully.

Can you give an example of a scenario where a lock-free queue is preferred?

Certainly! In real-time systems where low latency is critical, lock-free queues are often preferred to avoid delays caused by locks.