When should I use ReentrantLock in Java?

What is a ReentrantLock and when should I use it?

A ReentrantLock is a synchronization aid that allows threads to lock and unlock resources. You should use it when you need more control over the locking mechanism than what synchronized blocks offer.

What are the advantages of using ReentrantLock over synchronized?

ReentrantLock provides more flexibility, such as the ability to interrupt a thread waiting for a lock, try to acquire the lock without blocking, and the ability to implement fair locking.

Can you give me an example of when to use ReentrantLock?

Sure! Use ReentrantLock when you have multiple threads that need to access a shared resource, and you want to avoid deadlocks while allowing for more complex locking strategies.

Are there any downsides to using ReentrantLock?

Yes, the main downside is that it requires more code to manage the lock and unlock process, which can lead to errors if not handled properly.