When should I use lock-free algorithms?

What are lock-free algorithms and when should I use them?

Lock-free algorithms are concurrent algorithms that guarantee at least one thread will make progress. You should use them when you need high performance and low latency in multi-threaded environments.

What are the advantages of using lock-free algorithms?

The main advantages include reduced contention, improved performance under high load, and avoidance of deadlocks.

Are there any downsides to using lock-free algorithms?

Yes, they can be more complex to implement and may lead to livelock situations if not designed carefully.

Can you give me an example of a lock-free algorithm?

Sure! A common example is the lock-free stack, which uses atomic operations to manage push and pop operations without locks.